Donna (Rice) O'Brien - 2003 Inductee

Donna Rice O'Brien was a standout three-sport athlete for the Falcons in the late 70's and early 80's. She lettered in volleyball and softball all four years and basketball during her junior and senior seasons. Rice O'Brien became the first Fitchburg State athlete to receive the prestigious Howard C. Smith award as the Massachusetts State College Conference's top female scholar-athlete in 1981.

Rice O'Brien wasted no time in making an impact on the volleyball court. She helped lead Fitchburg State to double-digit win totals during all four years of her career. During that period the team was an outstanding 57-28 under Gail Todd and Hall of Fame coach Bob Murray. She saved her best for last as she was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Salem State Invitational and the MAIAW Tournament during her senior season.

On the softball diamond Rice O'Brien was also a force to be reckoned with. She batted near the top of the lineup and was a menace to opposing pitchers. As a junior, she was named first team All-MASCAC while splitting time between shortstop and the outfield. She also brought a winning attitude to the field as the Falcons were 41-27 over her final three seasons.