Linda (Phillips) O’Brien (’92) was a standout runner for the Westfield cross country and track teams from 1988 to 1992. 

The Southwick native was four-time all-conference performer in cross country, including second place finishes in the 1988 and 1991 MASCAC championships. Her outstanding track career was capped when she qualified for both the 1992 NCAA indoor and outdoor national championships in the 800 meter run. 

O’Brien performed well in big meets, earning All-New England honors six times, including first place finishes in the New England championships in 1992 (1,000 meter run) and 1991 (800). She also earned all-ECAC honors four times and was a member of two All-New England relay teams. 

The inaugural Massachusetts State College Athletics Conference (MASCAC) women’s outdoor track and field championship was in 1991, her junior year. She claimed three MASCAC crowns and was a member of a winning relay squad. 

O’Brien holds school records in three events - 600 yard run, 1,000 meter run, and 1,000 yard run - and is the former school record holder in the 800 meter run (2:16.56). She is a member of two record-setting relay squads. 

A three-time Western Mass. champion in the mile run at Southwick, O’Brien placed second in the mile run at the 1988 high school state championships. She was a two-time Western Mass. cross country champion and placed second in the state high school finals in 1987 and 1988. 

O’Brien resides in Lewis Center, Ohio, with her husband Kevin, a 1990 Westfield graduate and former cross country and track runner for the Owls. They have four children, all girls: Kailee (9), Madigan (6), Mairin (3) and Nora (2). She has been a stay at home mother since the birth of her first daughter.