Current Moundbuilder men’s basketball coach, Matt O’Brien, has been selected as the Interim Director of Athletics. He will serve in that position, along with his coaching duties, while a search is put in motion to fill the role permanently.
O’Brien’s career as a coach at Southwestern has certainly been prolific. He has managed a career win-loss record of 298-143 (.676) in his 14 seasons as the Builder men’s basketball squad’s head coach. Additionally, he sports one Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) regular-season title, along with two KCAC Tournament championships. His teams have made NAIA National Tournament appearances in five of his seasons at the helm. Since the 2010-11 season, each of the Moundbuilder squads has reached a winning percentage of .500 or better. Southwestern men’s basketball has also posted a team GPA of 3.0 or higher in 10 of O’Brien’s 14 years leading the program. The program is as well-rounded as any in the nation.
During the O’Brien era, SC men’s hoops has been heavily involved in the community. The 2021 team was selected as the KCAC Champion of Character for all men’s teams in the conference. The 2015 team was awarded the Buffalo Funds Five Star Champions of Character Team Award, which the Builders won in 2012 as well. The men’s basketball team participates in several community service projects throughout the year, including packaging meals, and participating in a reading program with children at local elementary schools. The Moundbuilders’ commitment to service continues throughout the season, with the team participating in the Samaritans Feet movement, the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative, and Mental Health Awareness night during the regular season.
"I'm excited and humbled for the opportunity to lead the department of athletics at Southwestern,” said O’Brien. “I would like to thank President Frombgen and the athletic staff for entrusting me with the responsibility to guide the department through this time of transition. Go BUILDERS!"
O’Brien maintains a wealth of knowledge of the Southwestern College landscape, and will help the Southwestern athletics department move forward as a committee searches for the permanent fit for the position atop the athletics department.
