Brianna Robbins Driscoll has been named the new field hockey coach at St. Mary’s, bringing a blend of playing pedigree and coaching ambition to the program.
A Comeback Fueled by Faith and Community
In 2022, Driscoll faced a life‑threatening ruptured brain aneurysm that required emergency surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation. She spent months relearning basic tasks such as walking, reading and writing, a process that tested both her physical resilience and mental fortitude.
During her recovery she returned to the sidelines as a volunteer assistant at North Reading High School in 2024, gaining hands‑on experience while continuing to rebuild her short‑term memory, which remains a work in progress.
Her husband, Mike Driscoll, teaches and coaches at St. John’s Prep, creating a unique family connection within the local Catholic school network. Athletic Director Jeff Newhall expressed confidence that Driscoll’s background, including stints at Austin Prep and USA Field Hockey, will elevate the program, which has reached the Sweet 16 in the MIAA tournament for five consecutive years.
Driscoll, who played at Lasell University and previously coached at Malden Catholic, says her top priority is the students. She credits prayer and the support of her community for her steady progress, and she is eager to build on the program’s recent successes while focusing on the holistic development of each athlete.
Looking ahead, Driscoll hopes to leverage her experience to mentor the next generation of players, emphasizing character, teamwork, and academic balance. Her story underscores the power of perseverance and the supportive environment of Catholic schools, a fit she says aligns perfectly with St. Mary’s mission.