Coach Johnny O’Connell Honored with Lou Carnesecca Award

John O’Connell, known to generations of Saint Andrew’s students and athletes as Johnny O, was honored with the Lou Carnesecca Lifetime Achievement in Coaching Award by the South Florida Basketball Association at its Annual Legends Charity Luncheon on Wednesday, January 14.

As noted in the luncheon program, “O’Connell has been the coach at Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton for 40 years, winning more than 750 games and a 3A state championship in 2020.”

During his acceptance speech, O’Connell reflected on his lifelong love of basketball, the influence of his father, who coached for 45 years at Rutgers Prep in New Jersey, and his decision to come to Saint Andrew’s in 1985. What began as a plan to stay just two years to gain coaching experience and run his own program became a four-decade commitment to the Saint Andrew’s community. He also met his wife at Saint Andrew’s School, and they raised their son while living on campus.

“I got to Saint Andrew’s in 1985 and had eight or nine kids come out,” O’Connell shared. “The only kid who had ever played on a court with officials showed up to the first day of practice with a surfboard in his convertible and said, ‘Coach, what time is practice over? Good waves.’ By ’95, we were playing in the state finals and placing kids in college basketball. Now, over 70 of my guys have played college basketball and a handful professionally.”

Over the course of his career, O’Connell has adapted to significant changes in the game and in high school athletics, from the introduction of the three-point line to coaching in a post-COVID landscape. Through each evolution, his focus on mentorship, discipline, and student growth has remained constant.

Saint Andrew’s Athletic Director Barry Connors praised O’Connell’s lasting impact on the school community and beyond. 

“Coach O'Connell has been a mainstay on the South Florida basketball scene for more than 40 years. More impressive than his success on the court are the relationships he has forged along the way. He is admired and well-respected by opponents, coaches, referees, fans, and all those with whom he has crossed paths on his basketball journey. It is only fitting that the South Florida Basketball Association honored him for his contributions and achievements in the game.”

When asked how he has remained at Saint Andrew’s for four decades, O’Connell often points to the meaningful experiences he has had and his ability to approach each day with gratitude and perspective.

“Before you know it, I’m accepting the Lou Carnesecca Lifetime Achievement Award,” he said. “As I reflect back today, I wouldn’t change a thing in my 66 years.”