Head Coach

John O’Connor returns to the touchline as head coach of Vermont Wild FC, continuing the work he began leading Vermont Fusion in the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

Across three seasons in the WPSL (2021–2023), O’Connor guided Fusion to a 16–6–6 overall record, a first-place conference finish in 2022, and a run to the WPSL Quarterfinals, earning Northeast Coach of the Year honors along the way. The team’s success established one of the strongest programs in the region and laid the foundation for Vermont Wild FC.

O’Connor brings decades of collegiate coaching experience, including head coaching roles at the University of Rhode Island and the University of Chicago, where he led the program to a national semifinal and was named NSCAA Division III National Coach of the Year. He currently leads the men’s program at Vermont State University Castleton, guiding the Spartans to conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.

A respected educator and mentor, O’Connor holds a USSF “A” License and a United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, and has played a long-standing role in player development throughout the region.

With Vermont Wild, O’Connor continues his commitment to building competitive teams while helping grow the women’s game in Vermont and across the Northeast.