Auburn, ME - Cagney O'Brien, a 5'9" senior forward for Lincoln Academy, has committed to CM for the fall. O'Brien was pivotal in Lincoln Academy's 2nd straight trip to the regional finals. In the quarterfinal she connected for a game-high 22 points, which she followed up by scoring 14 points in the semifinal. The KVAC 2nd Team All-Star is also an honor roll student who is involved in the YMCA Teen Leaders Club, Interact Club, and Girls State. She will study Early Childhood Education at CM.
Sometimes high school and college programs just seem to align. O'Brien will join former high school teammate, Samantha Burke, on the team next year while Assistant Coach, Laura Soohey, a Lincoln Academy and CM grad, instructs from the bench.
According to O'Brien, "I am interested in studying early childhood education, but I am really impressed with the amount of additional programs. The smaller class sizes are important to me, and I feel as though I will be a part of something, and not just a number. I enjoy learning, and am looking forward to classes that will not only be challenging, but also engaging."
On playing at the next level, "I am really looking forward to being a part of the team and the legacy that the CM Lady Mustangs have built over the years. I will bring pride to the uniform through my commitment, dedication, and hard work. My willingness to improve and learn from others will be important as well."
Head Women's Basketball Coach, Andrew Morong, on O'Brien, "Cagney has a strong work ethic and takes a lot of pride in what she does. She played such a strong tournament to end her career and Lincoln Academy, we were just so happy for her, and excited by what we saw at the same time. She has a lot of potential, which will start really coming to light this off season through our strength and conditioning program. Cagney has a great foundation, skill-wise, physically, academically, and we expect her to make an impact from day one. She has played for a tremendous high school, Kevin Feltis. He coaches will with a lot energy and high expectations for the young women in his program, and that is going to make Cagney's adjustment to college a bit easier than most. When we recruit, we are always evaluating fit, whether the kid fits what we do, whether we fit what the kid wants, and this just seems like a great one."
According to Lincoln Academy Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, Kevin Feltis, "Cagney is a hardworking athlete. She has the ability to shoot the 3, post up and also take players off of the dribble. She has quick hands and a nose for the basketball. Her desire to compete and win is second to none. We are very excited to see what the future holds for one of our finest."
O'Brien joins a talented 2017 recruiting class including Kristen Huntress (Lake Region), Natalie Thurber (Wells), Jordyn Reynolds (Edward Little), and Devona Kinsey (SMSA - CT). The Lady Mustangs look to reload after winning the USCAA DII National Championship, Yankee Conference Tournament Championship, Yankee Conference Regular Season Championship, and finishing the year 33-1.
