SALEM, Va. - Head strength & conditioning coach Scott Bennett announced on Thursday afternoon the addition of Isabelle O'Connell to the Maroons staff as the assistant strength & conditioning coach. 

"As we continue to start up our strength and conditioning program, I am so happy to have Izzy as an addition to our staff," said Coach Bennett. "With her motivation, expertise, and desire to dig deeper into our profession, I am excited to take another positive step in our athletic performance program." 

O'Connell comes to Roanoke from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania where she served as both the assistant strength & conditioning coach and the assistant women's lacrosse coach. With the Bears, O'Connell implemented year-round training programs for 25 varsity teams. Prior to Ursinus, she had stints with Dynamite Lacrosse as a speed, agility, and endurance coach and at Old Dominion University as a sports performance intern. 

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with Roanoke College's outstanding coaches and athletes. Roanoke College embodies extraordinary pride and support for its academics and athletics," said O'Connell. "I am thrilled to learn and work alongside Scott Bennett and the fantastic staff at Roanoke. I aim to support our coaching staff and provide the best experience for our student-athletes." 

O'Connell was also a four-year member of the Old Dominion University women's lacrosse team. She graduated from ODU in 2021 with a degree in Health and Physical Education. O'Connell is completing a master's degree in applied physiology and kinesiology from the University of Florida.