To whom it may concern,

It is with great excitement that I write this recommendation on behalf of Kelly O’Connor. In the
summer of 2019, I took over the girls soccer program at Westhill High School, in Stamford Connecticut.
When any coach takes over a program, they need to find the right staff to support the vision of the
program, and the student-athletes. Finding a coach is never easy, and finding the right one is even more
difficult. When I first got Kelly on the phone to discuss the program and her vision, I was instantly
impressed with her background knowledge of Westhill’s soccer history. Kelly knew what the program was
about, where it had come from, and knew what standard needed to be set in order for it to be successful.
I knew at the moment that Kelly was the right person for the position just from her willingness to learn
about the community, and what she was getting into.
As a middle school teacher, in addition to being a soccer coach, I know how important it is for
coaches who also work in schools to be organized. Kelly was just that, and more. During our season,
Kelly was pursuing a master in school counseling, while working as a school counseling intern and nanny,
essentially having three different jobs. Regardless, Kelly took on major responsibilities for our program.
On top of coaching JV and assisting with Varsity, she compiled the game data to keep track of players
minutes, goals, and assists. Additionally, she inputted all scores and post game information for the CIAC
and FCIAC, as well as help create the weekly schedules. Kelly was always one step ahead of any
scheduling issues that would occur, and was always able to create a schedule for all 3 teams that worked.
In addition, Kelly never missed inputting scores, and information that was necessary for the league to run
smoothly. This required Kelly to do some work at night, which she was happy to do proving that Kelly was
willing to go above and beyond her role.
The last, and possibly most redeemable, quality that makes Kelly such an amazing part of our
coaching staff is her ability to connect to students-athletes. As a male who coaches females, it’s
sometimes difficult to relate to the players. Kelly was incredible at forming connections with the players.
The girls trusted Kelly, and used her as a sounding board for issues, and would often approach her before
talking with me about something sensitive. From day one, Kelly knew the balance of being firm while also
being approachable and relatable. It was obvious that the girls really trusted Kelly when I attended a JV
game and practice, and saw how the girls would stick up for her. There was one time in particular, when
Kelly was talking, and one of the athletes continued to not pay attention and talk over Kelly. Before Kelly
could stop the poor behavior, the rest of the team came to Kelly’s defense and told the player to respect
their coach. When you see 17 girls rally behind their coach, and defend her, you know that the coach is
beloved and the right one for the team. I knew that at that moment, Kelly had done a fantastic job at
building a rapport with these athletes, which they benefited from both on and off of the field.
As a teacher, I know what type of person students need in pupil services. Kelly will make an
excellent school counselor. Through coaching, Kelly has shown that she can be the right person for all
students. She makes connections, she’s organized and driven, and she is willing to go above and beyond
to help anyone. She is calm, rational, and always positive no matter the situation. You will find no greater
candidate for your school, than Kelly O’Connor. It is my pleasure, and honor, to recommend Kelly for the
role of school counselor.
Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Best,

Ryan Perkins
860-463-4015
Westhill High School, Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach
Greenwich Public Schools, 7th grade ELA teacher