The 2008 season marked the return of the sport after a 25 year hiatus. Coach O'Connor, in her first year, guided her squad to a 3-7 season as an independent school. The team netted 21 goals and had a 2.10 goal/game average. O'Connor's team earned NFHCA Academic recognition as well as having 13 girls garnering individual honors.

Adelphi University Athletic Director Robert Hartwell announced the hiring of Gloria M. O'Connor as Head Field Hockey Coach, effective July 21, 2008. O'Connor will guide the Panthers in their return to NCAA Division II competition since the mid 1980's.

O'Connor comes to Adelphi with a combined 14 years of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate level. From 1989 through 1992, she was head of the C.W. Post field hockey program and gained another 10 years of experience as head coach at Carle Place High School.

At Carle Place High School O'Connor achieved unparalleled success, posting a record of 146-18-21 that included nine league championships, seven county crowns and four New York State championships. She is also a member of the Long Island Field Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame (1990) and is also a member of the Carle Place High School Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.

In addition O'Connor was has been involved in the Empire State Games over the years, first as the head coach of the Long Island scholastic field hockey team and then as the Long Island field hockey coordinator.

O'Connor also coached varsity lacrosse at Carle Place, capturing five New York State titles and is also a member of the New York Metropolitan and Long Island Lacrosse Hall of Fame (2006). In addition, she has been honored with the Hofstra University Outstanding Contributions to High School Girl's Athletics award and was a National High School Coach of the Year nominee in 1988.

A long time teacher and administrator, O'Connor is no stranger to Long Island schools, having spent time at John Adams, Roosevelt, Rushmore Elementary, Floral Park and most recently Sewanhaka Central High School as Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administration. She also held the position of Director of Athletics and Physical Education at Sewanhaka High School.