Danielle O’Banion ’97 was appointed the 12th head women’s basketball coach at Loyola University Maryland in spring of 2021. With 20 years of coaching experience for Division 1 teams, O’Banion now brings her positive attitude, passion for the sport, and commitment to developing well-rounded players to Loyola. 

After graduating from Episcopal, O’Banion attended Boston College, where she studied psychology and Hispanic studies, and played on the women’s basketball team. She served as co-captain during her senior season and led the team to two NCAA tournament appearances. 

O’Banion’s coaching career began at Harvard, where she was an assistant from 2001-2002. She then went on to coach at the University of Minnesota, the University of Memphis, and Kent State University, before returning home to Maryland and the Loyola Greyhounds. 

O’Banion is excited and honored to continue her career at Loyola. She says, “The opportunity to use basketball to teach life skills is what I believe I’m called to do. Loyola University Maryland is positioned to compete for championships in the Patriot League and I’m honored to be part of the process. Coaching close to home in a tight-knit, faith-based community (much like EHS) was a no-brainer!”