Conversations with Past and Present
Saint Michael's Athletes
Kathy O’Neil: Class of 1981
click here to read a short profile of Kathy O'Neil's Saint Michael's athletic career.
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Q: Why did you choose Saint Michael’s? Was it for academics, athletics or a combination of the two? A: Actually, my older brother went there so I knew a lot about it. I liked the academics and the athletics, plus I just thought it was a great environment. Q: What was the most memorable moment you had playing sports at Saint Michael’s?
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A: I couldn't say one specific moment. I just loved to participate with my teammates, I had great coaches and I learned a lot about life in general. I think just the overall experience was the best part.
Q: Being a student athlete can be quite difficult as you have to balance school work with practice and games. You participated in four sports at St. Michael’s, and played three sports every year; did that add or subtract to your college experience?
A: It was great because I'd much rather be busy. I was very fortunate that I could play all three sports, and it was a great experience that I really enjoyed.
Q: Do you think it helped prepare you for life after college?
A: As far as today, sports has helped in my career. It teaches you so many different things like discipline, preparation and leadership qualities. I think it prepares you very well.
Q: Vermont weather is different than anywhere else in the country, and it affects athletes in a much different way than most. How was it practicing/playing in those conditions? And was it a good experience or something that you dreaded?
A: That is a funny question. The weather was something that I couldn’t control so it didn’t really bother me. I know everyone on campus talks about building an arc because of all the puddles the rain makes, but that didn’t affect me. Saint Michael’s is a beautiful place and I love the school. I am from New England and I like the weather, maybe for an outsider it would have been tougher but it was fine for me.
Q: You were the first female athlete inducted into the Saint Michael’s Hall of Fame. What did that mean to you?
A: It’s really a tribute to (longtime women's basketball head coach) Sue Duprat and my teammates. It was a real nice thing to be a part of, but I think it is also something that you share with the other people who helped you along the way.
Q: SMC is a different kind of place to play college athletics; it is a small school environment where you know a majority of the people on campus. How did that add or subtract from your athletic experiences? Was it good to have everyone know who you are, or does that add to the pressure?
A: I think it is a really nice atmosphere there. Like you said everyone knows you on campus and I came from a smaller high school so it was nice for me. It was probably better not to be exposed to some of the harsher realities other bigger school athletics have. But Saint Michael’s has a great spirit and a real nice attitude that I enjoyed.
Q: What did being a Saint Michael’s student/athlete mean to you?
A: It has meant a great deal, I came in an era when women didn’t participate as much. It was a privilege to play collegiate sports, not necessarily a right. Saint Michael’s gave me that opportunity and I truly appreciate it.
Kathy O'Neil is currently the head coach of the University of Massachusetts Lowell women's basketball team.
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