Remembering Coach O'Neil

Gentle Giant" is the perfect way to describe O'Neil. At first glance, it is apparent to everybody that he was large in stature but the thing that meant the most to me was how big his heart was. At practice, O'Neil never failed to be compassionate and if he was ever having a bad day, he would never let us know it. He cared about us becoming better as players -- but also really encouraged us to become better as people, students, and leaders. Our character meant more to O'Neil than our skills. O'Neil truly encouraged me to become a better person, helped me understand the meaning of being a member of a team, and gave me the opportunity to be a true leader. He knew me so well as a person and took the time to understand me and became one of my largest supporters. He was my biggest advocate at GA and Senior year without him is going to be tough . Beginning next year, especially basketball season, we will all have to dig deep and play hard in memory of our dear friend/motivator -- "O'Neil". Every game will be played in honor of him and we will play to best of our ability. I will never forget the things that he taught me and I have no doubt that he will be watching me every step of the way.

I miss you more than you know -- Love you Big Guy. Continue to smile on us !

Jess Green,

Greenwich Academy

Class of 2011

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Never have I met such an inspiring man. O'Neil was more than just a coach to me, and every other girl on his team. He was a coach, but a friend and a hero. He was always there for me and every other student and teacher at GA. O'Neil made everyone feel like they were his best friend and that they could confide in him in any curcumstance. He changed my life entirly and I owe no other person a thank you as much as I do to O'Neil. He asked me to play on his basketball team as an eighth grader and drove my passion for not only basketball, but life in general. He was the strongest man I knew, but yet the most gentle. O'Neil, I'll always miss you, thank you for being there for me through everything.

Thank you.

Galen Hughes,

Greenwich Academy

Class of 2013