Villanova Univeristy Athletics

VILLANOVA WOMEN ON THE RISE Q&A SERIES
Meet Kathleen O'Connor

Today for our Empowering Women series we are sitting down with Kathleen O’Connor - 2018 graduate, lacrosse player, cancer survivor and overall force to be reckoned with!
Kathleen O’Connor, fought and beat anaplastic large cell lymphoma (a rare type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma) twice throughout her collegiate athletic career. She would go on to endure aggressive treatments, prolonged hospital stays and missed classes. Through it all she had a determination to fight and to get back out on the field! Despite the long road to recovery, she worked her way back into shape to be able to play at the Division I level again.

Sport: Lacrosse
 

What did you study in college and where has it led you? 

I studied Communications in the Liberal Arts and Sciences School. I currently work in digital marketing/social media at Authentic Brands Group in New York City.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of advice I have ever received is from the HEADstrong Foundation’s founder Nick Colleluori, who unfortunately passed away from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and also wore the number 27, the same as me, during his career with Hofstra men’s lacrosse. Nick started a foundation from his hospital bed to improve the lives of those affected by cancer. He said, “Make use of the time you have and don’t stress the little things. Have a smile and enjoy what you can get out of life.”

What is the thing you’re most proud of in your athletic career?

The thing I am most proud of in my career is the ability I had to get back on the field for my senior season after enduring intense chemotherapy less than a year earlier. In addition, when I relapsed right before my senior season, I played through it on a new medication because I could not bear to sit out another season, let alone my final season.

You've faced so much adversity and challenges at multiple times in your life, could you provide some insight on how you persevered and triumphed?
I persevered and triumphed through tough times because of my amazing and unwavering support system. My parents, siblings, family, friends, teammates and coaches were my rocks and I could not have gone through any of this without them. 

What advice would you give to anyone who’s going through a difficult time right now?

I would say to not be afraid to ask for help, lean on your support system and try to maintain the best positive attitude that you can. 

What’s the biggest lesson that life has taught you?

The biggest lesson that life has taught me, thus far, would be that you can’t always control what you want to control. I feel like a broken record saying this because this is always my answer to this question but it’s true. I couldn’t control what happened to me these last few years, but what I tried to control was how I handled it. Of course I have had my good days and bad days, but overall, I have tried to not let the small stuff get to me. It is something I have to work on every day and it definitely does not come naturally. But controlling the things you have the ability to control can take you a long way.

How did Villanova & being a female-student athlete on the lacrosse team help shape the person you are today?

Villanova and Villanova Athletics has given me so much during my four years and beyond. I still feel so connected to the University, especially athletics and my team, both past and present. The lessons we learned on and off the field have truly stuck with me beyond college. Although I no longer have to run fitness tests, have early morning lifts or long bus rides, I am a better person for have gone through this program and university. Being a part of this University and a member of the women’s lacrosse team has taught me to be disciplined, patient, a team player (on and off the field), how to manage my time, how to be a good leader and most importantly, how to be a better friend and sister. 

What’s your favorite memory from Villanova?

I have so many great memories from Villanova, but I think my favorite memory is just being with my teammates 24/7. Playing lacrosse came with it’s ups and downs, wins and losses, but the teammates and friends I have made over my 4 years will last forever and I am so grateful for that.

What does female empowerment mean to you?

To me, female empowerment means being confident in yourself, your beliefs and values. It means not letting anyone get in the way of your goals and dreams. 

FAST FIVE
 

Q: Favorite song?
A:  You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall and Oates.

Q: If you could have lunch with any woman, who would it be and why?
A: If I could have lunch with any woman it would have to be my grandma, my dad’s mom. She passed away a few years before I was born so I never got the chance to meet her. I’ve heard so many amazing things about her and I wish I could have had the chance to know her. She also battled cancer for many years and unfortunately lost her battle in 1992. But, I have heard she persevered through it with a smile on her face at all times. I know she has been watching over my family and me for all these years and she definitely has guided me through the tough times I have had the past few years. 

Q: What are you currently binge watching?
A:  I am currently watching Succession and re-watching Desperate Housewives. 

Q: I wish I knew how to?
A:  Play an instrument.

Q: Favorite place on campus
A: The women’s lacrosse locker room and the Bartley Exchange.