University of British Columbia Athletics

Rick O'Connor has been the catalyst behind the creation and building of the UBC Softball program. O'Connor got his start with Softball BC in 1986, coaching his eldest son through Maple Ridge and Kamloops Leagues. He would then go on to coach the White Rock Renegades during the 90's and 2000's. 
 
Rick saw that softball players were leaving to play in the USA college system and he identified the need for a team at UBC, giving Canadian players the chance to stay and compete closer to home. He was approached by UBC Athletic Director, Bob Philip, about creating a team and Rick committed to leading the effort. He spearheaded fundraising and lobbying to ensure the program could be established, and he helped recruit coach Phil Thom. In 2008 the UBC Women's Softball Team was officially born.
 
Rick was instrumental in securing funding and supporting softball student athletes with scholarship money by championing events like the Scholarship Breakfast. He tirelessly organized golf tournaments and pub nights to help fundraise for Nobel Park, which became the first home on campus for UBC Softball. 
 
In 2013, when UBC Athletics underwent a challenging time with a department-wide sport review. Softball was one of the sports on the chopping block until Rick stepped up and provided the financial support needed to save the team and keep the program running. Afterwards Rick continued to support and helped Coach Gord Collings with ongoing fundraising efforts. His persistency and hard work were instrumental in making sure the UBC Softball program was here to stay.