The Kalispell Lakers American Legion Baseball Program is excited to welcome Michael O’Connell as the new AA Head Coach. Coach O’Connell brings an exceptional combination of championship-level coaching experience, strong player-development credentials, and a proven commitment to academic success and community leadership.

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Coach O’Connell joins the Lakers after nearly a decade with Miles Community College, where he served first as an assistant coach and most recently as Head Baseball Coach. His leadership elevated the Pioneers into one of the premier programs in the region, producing winning records, award-winning athletes, and a culture built on accountability, discipline, and team-first values.

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A Proven Winner

During his tenure as Head Coach at Miles Community College (2023–2025), O’Connell led the program to:

• 75–31 overall record

• 2024 MONDAK Coach of the Year

• 2024 Conference Championship

• 1 NJCAA All-American (plus 2 JBB All-Americans)

• 4 All-Region players

• 9 All-Conference players, including 2 Conference MVPs

• Team GPAs above 3.5 in consecutive years

• 604 community service hours in 2025 — the highest in the Athletic Department

• Fundraising goals exceeded each year

 

His teams balanced competitive excellence with academic responsibility, service, and character — all values that align perfectly with the mission of the Kalispell Lakers.

 

Player Development & Coaching Background

Before becoming head coach, O’Connell spent seven seasons as Assistant Baseball Coach at Miles CC, where he oversaw hitting, catching, and outfield development. Under his guidance:

• The program posted a 200–89 record

• Achieved 3 conference championships

• Produced multiple national award winners, including the 2021 NJCAA Division II Player of the Year

• Developed 12 All-American hitters and 22 All-Conference players

 

O’Connell also served as an assistant coach and data/analytics coach with the Glacier Range Riders (Pioneer Baseball League), utilizing Yakkertech, Trackman, Rapsodo, and Synergy systems to support modern player development. He coached one player who went on to reach the MLB.

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Education & Playing Experience

Coach O’Connell holds:

• M.S. in Sports Administration, Arkansas State University

• B.S. in Exercise Science, Mount Marty University

• Additional studies at Miles Community College and the University of Montana

As a player, O’Connell competed at the collegiate level with experience at shortstop and third base, earning:

• All-Conference Shortstop (University of Montana)

• All-Conference Third Base, 2x Gold Glove (Miles Community College)

• All-Conference Third Base (Mount Marty University)

 

A Perfect Fit for the Kalispell Lakers

Coach O’Connell brings:

• A development-focused coaching philosophy

• A deep understanding of data-driven training

• Championship-level experience

• Proven leadership

• Strong Montana baseball roots

The Kalispell Lakers are confident that Coach O’Connell will build on our traditions while elevating the program to new heights. We are proud to welcome him — and excited for the future of Lakers baseball under his leadership.