MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Auburn University at Montgomery Director of Athletics Erik Maas has announced the hiring of Michael O'Brien as the school's new head men's and women's tennis coach.
O'Brien takes over programs that have collectively produced 23 NAIA National Championships and made three appearances in NCAA Division II South Region Tournaments.
"We are excited to have Michael O'Brien join AUM as the next men's and women's tennis coach", Maas said. "Michael is very passionate about helping student-athletes reach their full potential in every aspect of life. During this process, Coach O'Brien talked about the tradition and success of our tennis programs and how he would build upon our rich history."
O'Brien comes to Montgomery after spending a season at Central Alabama Community College as the head women's tennis coach. He also served as the Student Services Associate on campus in Alexander City, Ala.
"I would like the thank Chancellor Carl Stockton, Erik Maas, and the entire committee for this opportunity to join the coaching staff here at AUM," O'Brien said. "My family and I are very excited to be a part of the AUM family and I looking forward to coaching in a program with such a winning history."
A member of the Alabama Community College Conference, CACC placed 19th at the NJCAA national tournament last season under O'Brien's leadership and was the runner-up in the conference tournament.
Prior to collegiate coaching, O'Brien was the head girl's tennis coach at McGill Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, Ala., and also served as the head tennis coach at St. Luke's Episcopal School. O'Brien coached two singles players to state championships while at St. Luke's Episcopal School and had multiple teams finish in the top five in the Alabama High School Athletic Association State Tournament. The Alabama native has served at several country clubs and tennis centers as a coach or official.
"I am thrilled for our current and future tennis student-athletes, as he will provide positive leadership in the pursuit of athletic, academic, and community excellence," Maas said. "I am looking forward to his leadership of our two great programs."
As a player, O'Brien spent time at CACC broke the school record for most doubles wins in school history, and finished second in singles wins. He transferred to the University of North Alabama where he helped lead his team to the NCAA Division II Tournament.
After his stints at CACC and UNA, he finished his playing career at the University of South Alabama where he won a Sunbelt Conference Tournament and defeated the University of Alabama in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
O'Brien holds a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from South Alabama.
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