Banner Christian School is excited to announce the addition of Lisa O’Connor to our athletic department as head volleyball coach.
Coach O’Connor brings more than 20 years of competitive volleyball coaching experience, along with a lifelong passion for developing young women through athletics. A former collegiate six-rotation outside hitter, she competed at nationally recognized Nassau Community College in Garden City, N.Y., before continuing her playing career at Mary Washington College (now the University of Mary Washington) in Fredericksburg, Va. She was also selected to participate in the USA Volleyball U19 Development Camp in Colorado Springs, Colo., and competed as a collegiate swimmer.
Throughout her coaching career, Coach O’Connor has served at the club, high school and collegiate levels, including coaching at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Ga. She was instrumental in establishing and growing multiple volleyball programs throughout Southwest Georgia and helped launch C229 Volleyball Club, the first AAU volleyball travel club in the region.
Her coaching experience includes work with 540 Volleyball Academy in Fredericksburg, Va., where she coached teams that competed in some of the nation’s most prestigious events, including the Big South National Qualifier, Philadelphia National Qualifier, USA Volleyball Nationals and AAU Nationals.
While her volleyball résumé is impressive, what sets Coach O’Connor apart is her commitment to using athletics as a ministry. A former Christian educator and strong advocate for Kingdom Education, she believes sports provide a unique opportunity to shape hearts, build character and point young people toward Christ.
Coach O’Connor is passionate about helping young women understand who they are in Christ and recognize the value and purpose God has placed in their lives. Through volleyball, she seeks to develop not only skilled athletes but also confident young women who lead with faith, integrity and a Christ-centered identity. Her positive coaching style emphasizes growth, perseverance, teamwork and the understanding that success extends far beyond wins and losses.
In addition to coaching, Coach O’Connor has served as a clinician and camp coordinator throughout Georgia and Virginia, helping athletes increase their volleyball skills and volleyball IQ. Over the years, she has helped numerous players continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
Her commitment to discipleship extends beyond the volleyball court. She has led high school students on short-term mission trips around the world, including service opportunities in Uganda, Greece, the Netherlands, Peru and other countries. This summer, she will serve alongside a team from Ironbridge Church in the Dominican Republic.
Coach O’Connor holds an Associate of Science in Physical Education from Nassau Community College, a Bachelor of Science in physical education with a concentration in psychology of sport and physical activity from Towson State University and a certificate in middle school science from Liberty University. She remains a lifelong student of the game, regularly attending coaching clinics and pursuing continuing education opportunities.
Away from the gym, Coach O’Connor enjoys traveling, glamping, coffee, sparkling water and all-things volleyball. She and her husband have been married for nearly 40 years. A self-described Marine brat who later spent 22 years as a Marine wife, she has lived in 27 different places, from being born in Bermuda to graduating high school in Stuttgart, Germany. She and her family now enjoy spending time with their two daughters and son-in-law in northern Virginia.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Lisa O’Connor to Banner Christian School,” said Athletic Director Austin Swiech. “Coach O’Connor brings a tremendous amount of volleyball knowledge and experience, but what excites us most is her heart for discipleship and her desire to help young women discover their identity in Christ. Her passion for Kingdom Education makes her a perfect fit for our mission, and we look forward to the impact she will have on our student-athletes.”
Please join us in welcoming Coach Lisa O’Connor to the Bearcat family as she begins this exciting new chapter with Banner Christian volleyball.
