Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?
There was (and continues to be) a rich tradition in soccer that made the school really attractive for people with a passion for the sport. Another big factor was how the faculty supported students with learning disabilities. The Learning Center went above and beyond, helping me become a better,more motivated student-athlete.
The people I met at SNHU were amazing, unique individuals. These were very loyal people that took care of each other and balanced out what college-life was like academically, athletically, and socially. I am the person and professional that I am today based upon those interactions with the students, faculty, staff, and athletes of SNHU.
Who was the most influential person during your time at SNHU?
Certainly Head Coach John Rootes and Assistant Coach Steve Lucas had played a significant part in my development. I will be forever grateful to John for giving me my first start in coaching. He took a chance on a young man that needed to mature and grow both personally and professionally.
President Gustafson, Dr. Larkin, Father Bruce, even our Resident Directors Kristin (Vacco) McCool & Heather (Downs) Lorenz '98G were always people you could trust, and they always seemed accessible. I remember being asked if I and a few other soccer players would drive guests to & from a wedding that President Gustafson's family was involved in. You always felt that the NHC/SNHU community was very tight-knit.
Last but certainly not least, I must give a very special mention to Lori DeConinck, the most memorable professor I had in college. She was way more than just someone who showed up, taught class, and left. Lori helped me through some difficult moments in college, both in the classroom and personally. She cared about the person first and then addressed the student second. I coach today based upon the way Lori treated her students. I've always felt that SNHU has been very good in hiring faculty that genuinely care about their student's well-being.
What did it mean to you to be a Penmen student-athlete?
It meant everything. It was my identity during those years. I truly loved every minute of it. I was very fortunate to represent the Penmen as an athlete and as assistant coach. The unforgettable relationships between the players and alumni were the pinnacle of being an athlete at SNHU. The person I looked up to the most was Karl Edmonds ’93 ’04G, who graduated just before I arrived. He was someone I was in awe of as a player. I ended up working for Karl at Seacoast United and was fortunate to win the club’s first ever National Championship under his tutelage.
My athletic experience provided me with so many life lessons. Unfortunately, some of them didn’t truly sink in until well after I left school. This may seem a little strange but it took me a bit longer than most to grow up and understand what was important in life. The mentality I have as a coach and mentor to my players today comes from what I lacked as a player and a young coach in college. I failed a lot because I lacked confidence due to a very average work-rate. I know now that your work-rate has to be greater than your talent to have a significant impact on where you are in life. I was an average player with a gifted left foot and some talent but I didn't do enough to make the impression required for such a historic program. And as a young assistant coach, I didn't realize quick enough that the best way to lead or get respect at that stage was by example.
How did SNHU impact your life, and how do you impact the University?
Although I'm a bit critical of my former-self for what I was like back in the day, I do believe that my contributions in student life were significant. As a member of the student judicial committee, Student Government Association, and as the president of 'Senior Activities', I played a major role in getting Elizabeth Dole to come speak at our Commencement.
Mostly my constant impact comes through success in the game of soccer. I have hired several SNHU alumni to work with me in the game. I've been fortunate to represent the university's motto in "See Yourself Succeed" through reaching my goals of now being a Division I head coach at a major university.
In your current role, how do you make an effort to impact your community through your work as a coach, and how do you instill these values into your student-athletes?
We have three phrases that support our Culture of Excellence at UC: Fierce Loyalty, Relentless Grind, and Strive to Surpass. We do this with a focus on academics, athletics, and community. Whether it's working with Children's Hospital, food pantries, struggling single-parent families, or the homeless, we take time to invest in those that need the help.
As an alumnus, how do you continue to be involved in the SNHU community? Why is it important for alumni to contribute to the student experience?
I had the privilege of speaking to current SNHU students when they came to Cincinnati for an Alternative Break experience. I have made donations to scholarships in the past, and now that SNHU is a national brand, it’s important to give back to the school that helped me get to where I am today. SNHU took a chance on a young, immature kid who was allowed to fail and make mistakes. It's important to pay that forward and extend a hand to the high quality students and student-athletes who now represent Southern New Hampshire University. The school continues to be unique and its growth in today's landscape of higher education is nothing short of amazing. But mostly, I - like so many others - am just proud to have been a Penmen.
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