Sarasota, FL — Sarasota Paradise is proud to announce the signing of midfielder Chandler O’Dwyer, an experienced professional and proven USL League One contributor who brings versatility and experience to the club as it prepares for its inaugural USL League One season in 2026.
O’Dwyer arrives in Sarasota after four seasons with the Richmond Kickers of USL League One, where he worked closely with Paradise Head Coach and Technical Director Mika Elovaara throughout all four years. During that time, O’Dwyer developed from a rookie to a household name in the league, earning the trust of the staff as a regular starter and key contributor for the Kickers. He has especially become known for his ability to deliver in decisive moments, such as the game-winning goal he scored on 90+10 minutes in the 2024 Henny Derby – the rivalry game between Richmond and Madison – on national TV.
Across the past two seasons, O’Dwyer has recorded 17 goal contributions in all competitions, a total that ranks among the most by a midfielder in USL League One during that span. He has made 77 USL League One appearances across his professional career, including 28 appearances last season, and logged more than 1,800 minutes of league play in 2025. O’Dwyer scored 15 goals for Richmond in his four seasons in the River City, leading the team in scoring in 2024 with 7 goals.
On the field, O’Dwyer is a versatile midfielder capable of impacting the game in multiple ways and playing in any of the three central midfield positions. Comfortable defending, progressing the ball, and making runs into the final third, he brings balance and strong aerial presence to the center of the field.
O’Dwyer’s path to the professional game reflects resilience and growth. Raised in England, he moved to the United States at 18 and navigated a non-traditional college journey that included time at Hill College, Division One UMass Amherst, and Christian Brothers University. After losing a senior season to COVID, he rebounded with a strong individual year that led to a USL League Two championship with Des Moines Menace. During his final collegiate season at Christian Brothers University, O’Dwyer scored 17 goals for the Buccaneers, was named the Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All GSC as well as First Team All-South Region honors, further underscoring his attacking quality and leadership.
Now in Sarasota, O’Dwyer is motivated by the opportunity to help establish the club’s identity from day one. He is excited to contribute both through performance and leadership while helping set standards alongside a group that shares the same ambition. The chance to represent Sarasota, connect with the community, and compete for trophies is one he embraced without hesitation. After spending four years in Richmond, the opportunity to help build a professional club from the ground up stood out immediately as an attractive option for O’Dwyer. Conversations with Sarasota Paradise Founder and CEO Marcus Walfridson, combined with his established relationship with Elovaara, reinforced his belief in the project. The ambition of the club, the leadership behind it, and the vision for a winning culture aligned directly with what O’Dwyer was seeking at this stage of his professional career.
“Being able to be a part of the inaugural League One team is truly such an honor. The ultimate goal is to bring a championship to the club. I have raised a League One trophy one time in my career and would love nothing more than to do that for the club,” O’Dwyer said.
Head Coach and Technical Director Mika Elovaara welcomed O’Dwyer to the club.
“When building something new, it is important to look for familiar parts for the foundation. Having worked with Chandler for four years, I have witnessed him build a successful professional path for himself, playing a variety of positions depending on team needs, and contributing in important ways at both ends of the field. All teams need players who can play multiple roles and help the team in a variety of ways, and Chandler is an experienced player who will bring that element to us. He seeks to make connections with his team mates on and off the field; I expect him to bring positive leadership and accountability to our young team, and a strong dose of energy and personality into the locker room.”
O’Dwyer joins a growing roster of experienced professionals and emerging talent as Sarasota Paradise enters its first professional season in 2026.
Catch O’Dwyer and the Paradise squad in action this season — contact our ticketing team at 941-207-5873 to secure your tickets!
