Reagan O’Brien (II) is a cornerstone of Boston Latin School’s athletics community and girls’ lacrosse. A recent commit to Johns Hopkins University, O’Brien has proven to be a true star and a powerhouse of a player.

Her lacrosse journey started in the second grade with Charlestown Lacrosse but in the following year, she transferred to Evolution Lacrosse. In the fourth grade, O’Brien settled on Mass Elite, the team she has been playing for ever since, while also being a part of BLS girls’ lacrosse.

Along the way, she has had great support from coaches, her sister Quinlan O’Brien (I), who is also a lacrosse player going to Johns Hopkins University and, most importantly, her mom.

O’Brien says, “My mom is not only my biggest supporter, but she is also the person who has been there for me and has helped me learn what it means to work hard and to never give up. She also taught me the importance of dreaming big!”

A team of support is crucial to her success, especially during the rigorous and intimidating recruitment process. COVID-19 has thrown quite the wrench in all aspects of life, but athletics have been particularly challenged during this time. O’Brien shed some light on the challenges of making such a major decision during these trying times: “I was able to take my time to figure where the best fit would be for me athletically and academically […] because of COVID, I could not meet the coaches in person or do any overnights on campus.”

She continues on to say that, “The recruiting process itself was a lot of phone calls and Zoom [meetings] with the coaches, the players and virtual tours, too. By the end of it all I really felt like I got to know each coach and their program, and it was difficult to make a final choice, but I am confident that I made the best choice for me!”

Despite the obstacles, O’Brien was able to find the best path for her to continue her lacrosse journey, saying, “I chose Johns Hopkins because I wanted to find a program that would be in contention for a national championship, but also a place that challenged me academically. I wanted a place where I could be a part of something special, and where I hope I can make a difference!”

When asked what she wanted her legacy to be at BLS, O’Brien responded, “I want to be known as a girl who gives 100 percent effort for her teammates. I hope that once I graduate that people see that anything is possible with hard work, a positive attitude and wearing the purple and white!”

O’Brien’s positive and influential spirit and athletic ability will continue to leave its mark on the BLS athletics community, and now the Blue Jay community as well. We wish O’Brien the best of luck in her coming seasons at BLS and her future at Johns Hopkins!