VALDOSTA — A former Valdostan captured the Head Spirit Coordinator and Head Cheerleading Coach position at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Ben O’Brien was selected for the job after serving as the Assistant Spirit Coordinator and Assistant Cheerleading Coach through last season at UGA.

“I have always been an avid University of Georgia fan growing up,” said O’Brien, a Moultrie native who grew up in Valdosta. “I can remember coming up to Athens for games with my family when I was younger. Also, my brother (Tim) played football here at UGA under Ray Goff back in the ’90s. UGA has always been in my blood, and when I was offered this position, I will always remember that moment forever. I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest.

“The University of Georgia has such rich traditions, and to be able to be a part of this is a dream come true for a little ole’ boy from South Georgia. I am so lucky and blessed to be given this opportunity, and I look forward to all the challenges and experiences I will come across in the future. The experience thus far has been so rewarding, and I cannot wait to see what else the future holds in store for me.”

O’Brien graduated from Valdosta High School with Honors in 1997, and from Valdosta State University in December 2003 with a degree in Speech Communications. He was hired by Valdosta State University Athletics to be the Dance Team Coordinator.

“I slowly realized that I was ready for a change, so I moved up to the Atlanta area to live and coached at a well-known all-star cheerleading gym out of Marietta, Georgia, called Stingray All-Stars,” he said.

After a stint of working there, O’Brien landed a sales and recruiting position with Varsity Brands, Inc. out of Memphis, Tenn.

“This is the ‘be-all and end-all’ cheerleading company of the world, and I was fortunate enough to work for them. I was responsible for a 16-county territory when I sold them all of the services that Varsity offers such as uniforms, supplies, camps, and competitions.”

How did this UGA job opportunity come about?

“I also have done work with the National Cheerleading Association based out of Dallas, Texas, and the UGA camp was always one that I worked, so I grew an acquaintance with the Spirit Coordinator at that point in time,” he said. “The Assistant Spirit Coordinator position became available in July of 2008, so I applied for it.

“The Head Spirit Coordinator and Head Cheerleading Coach position became available in early August, and I was fortunate enough to be asked to step in and take over the program. Needless to say, I happily and quickly accepted.”

O’Brien credits his dad, Coach Mike O’Brien, Head Football Coach at Woodstock High School, and his mom, Glynda O’Brien, former Valdosta teacher, with his success.

“My parents have been the driving force behind me for so long, and I owe a great amount of thanks to them,” Ben said. “They are always encouraging and supportive in anything I ever want to do. They have impacted my life immensely, and I am the man I am today because of their love and support.”