For Methodist University senior Blake O’Brien, balancing academics and athletics isn’t just a challenge – it’s a lifestyle she has taken on with a smile, and a few sticky notes.
For Methodist University senior Blake O’Brien, balancing academics and athletics isn’t just a challenge – it’s a lifestyle she has taken on with a smile, and a few sticky notes.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, O’Brien transferred to MU after a rocky experience at her previous school. When MU Head Volleyball Coach Eddie Matthews reached out during her time in the transfer portal, something just clicked.
“Coach Eddie was extremely genuine,” said O’Brien, who will graduate from MU this Saturday during Commencement 2025 at Fayetteville’s Crown Coliseum. “There are some coaches where you feel like there’s something behind what they’re saying, but with Eddie, it was all real. And honestly, I always wanted to move somewhere near the beach, so North Carolina was the perfect spot.”
With the combination of an ideal location, and two academic programs that matched her passions, and a coach who truly believed in her, MU quickly felt like home.
Choosing a double major might sound ambitious, but for O’Brien, it was a natural fit, although, Spanish and Exercise Science may seem an unusual pair – her interest in Spanish started in high school and stuck with her.
“Being bilingual can really set you apart when applying for jobs,” she said. “It gives you an edge.”
Meanwhile, her love for exercise science was rooted in a lifelong connection to sports and a curiosity about the workings of the human body. While she initially considered physical therapy, hands-on experience working with Methodist University’s athletic trainers helped her realize athletic training was her true calling.
Balancing two majors while competing as a collegiate volleyball player and devoting time to MU’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee wasn’t easy, but O’Brien found her rhythm through trial and error – and a lot of sticky notes.
“I was very unorganized at first,” she said, laughing. “Post-it notes on the mirror became my best friend. I couldn’t miss them in the morning!”
She also credits her success to the people around her, including her coaches, professors and close-knit circle of friends. “Dr. [Kyrstin] Krist, my professor, has been my biggest cheerleader,” she said.
Matthews noticed O’Brien’s commitment from the beginning.
“You can tell right away what kind of person Blake is,” he said. “She’s genuine, matter of fact, and one of the best personalities I’ve ever had the chance to coach. I feel blessed that she chose to spend her last two years with us [at Methodist University.]”
Whether it was on or off the court, O’Brien led by example.
“She’s the kind of player who doesn’t have to say she’ll run through walls for you – she just goes and does it,” Matthews said. “Whether she was having a great day or a tough one, you’d never know it. Her consistency and positivity made her an incredible teammate and role model.”
O’Brien’s leadership extended beyond volleyball. Her involvement in SAAC helped her become more engaged in the University’s diverse community and opened doors to new opportunities, including becoming a resident assistant.
Now, as she prepares to graduate, there’s no doubt O’Brien is ready to take on whatever comes next.
“Blake’s got “it,’” Matthews said. “Whatever path she chooses, she’s going to succeed – and I say that without hesitation.”
After a standout career at Methodist University, O’Brien is showing that success speaks every language and at MU – she’s fluent.