Carey Dorn O'Brien, whose playing and coaching credentials stretch the length of a field, has been named the girls’ varsity soccer coach at Loomis Chaffee. If this sounds familiar, there is a good reason: she previously coached the Pelicans from 2011–2017, winning two NEPSAC Class A championships and multiple coach of the year honors. 

“Carey is well known to the Loomis Chaffee community and has a stellar reputation — locally, regionally, and nationally — in women's soccer,” Athletic Director Sue Cabot said. “We are thrilled to welcome her back.” 

Carey also will be a full-time member of the faculty as associate director of athletics. 

“It’s an honor to return to Loomis Chaffee to work in the Athletic Department and lead the girls soccer program,” Carey said.  “I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had throughout the years, both at UConn and Loomis, but most importantly, I’m thankful for the people I’ve shared these experiences with. My professional background, familiarity with Loomis, and our shared ideals of the value of both education and athletics in the lives of young adults are what make this an exciting opportunity for me to continue my career on the Island.” 

She brings experience from all levels of the game. Carey was a high school All-America player for Hall High School in West Hartford, Conn.; named a team captain and All-American in 1999 at the University of Connecticut, where she played four seasons; and played professionally from 2000–2002 for the San Joe CyberRays of the Women’s United Soccer Association. She graduated from UConn with a bachelor’s degree in sports marketing in 2000, earning magna cum laude honors. UConn was 83-17-3 during her four years, reaching the NCAA quarterfinals three times and making a trip to the Final Four in 1997. She was key to the Huskies’ defense and earned the UConn Outstanding Senior Scholar Athlete Award in 2000. 

Carey was an assistant coach for UConn from 2003–2011 before coming to Loomis Chaffee for the first time. She returned to UConn as an assistant from 2018–2022 before being named associate head coach in 2022. Carey also has been involved in several youth camps and clubs. She was inducted into the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame in 2006. 

“After coaching in the game for over 25 years, I’ve gained more confidence and trust,” Carey said. “Through experiences — wins and losses, highs and lows — you learn how to manage certain situations and develop perspective. Challenges and adversities may seem daunting at the time, but through the years I’ve learned that they are necessary for growth and development. At the same time, it’s important to celebrate the successes — big or small — and enjoy the moment.” 

While she has learned and adapted along the way, some things will not change. 

 “What’s remained the same and consistent over the years is who I am as a person, and how I mentor the student-athletes I coach,” Carey said. “Leading with integrity, being demanding but fair, keeping a calm demeanor, and having humility and humor are important to me. Lastly, communication and trust have always been integral to how I coach and lead.” 

She said her first priority is to get to know the current team and staff. 

“I’m excited to meet them, and learn more about who they are as individuals, and as a team,” Carey said. “As we move forward and into the fall season, our daily goals will focus on creating the best possible culture for our student-athletes to grow and learn. We will encourage our players to play with freedom, be confident decision makers, and play with joy. “  

“There is a tradition of excellence associated with Loomis athletics,” she continued, “and our program will honor these standards by staying true to our values and the mission of the school.  Our players will compete with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a confident belief in our program. Each year, we will strive to compete for championships, but most importantly we will always take pride in our process-oriented mindset and team-first mentality.” 

In her first stint at Loomis Chaffee, the Pelicans were 97-19-10. Carey was selected to coach the East team in the 2017 High School Girls All-American Game.  

“Through her experiences at both UConn and Loomis Chaffee,” Sue said, “Carey has demonstrated excellence in all aspects of leading a program: recruiting talented student-athletes, developing players to compete at the highest level, fostering a culture of competitiveness and positivity, and building teams that achieve more collectively than individually.”