University of New England Athletics Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of New England (UNE) offers a diverse range of athletic programs, facilities, and academic opportunities for student-athletes. Located primarily on its Biddeford campus in Maine, with a branch campus in Portland, UNE provides a comprehensive environment for both athletic and academic pursuits. This article delves into the various aspects of UNE's athletic programs, including specific sports like Men's Ice Hockey, athletic training programs, facilities, and academic offerings.

Athletic Overview

UNE's athletic teams, known as the Nor'easters, compete in NCAA Division III as part of the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC). The athletic department is led by Athletic Director Kim Allen. The university offers a variety of varsity sports, providing opportunities for students to compete at the collegiate level.

Men's Ice Hockey Program

For prospective student-athletes interested in Men's Ice Hockey, UNE offers a competitive program with a dedicated coaching staff. Key personnel include Head Coach Kevin Swallow and Assistant Coaches Brad Church, Brandon Krumpschmid, Jeff Libby, Kirby Saari (Goaltenders), and Luke Church. These coaches play a vital role in recruiting and developing players for the team.

Recruiting Process

Getting recruited for college athletics, including Men's Ice Hockey at UNE, requires proactive engagement. Resources like NCSA (Next College Student Athlete) can assist student-athletes in enhancing their chances of being recruited. NCSA provides a platform for athletes to create a recruiting profile, connect with coaches, and showcase their skills. Since 2000, NCSA has facilitated connections between coaches and athletes, playing a vital role in the recruiting process. In the current year, a significant number of Men's Ice Hockey high school athletes are utilizing the NCSA network to gain exposure to college coaches.

To join the University of New England Men's Ice Hockey program, prospective athletes should focus on building relationships with the coaching staff and creating a high-quality recruiting profile. Starting this process early is crucial for success.

Athletic Training Program

UNE offers a comprehensive Athletic Training master’s degree program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This program combines academic study with hands-on clinical experience, preparing students for careers in athletic training.

Faculty and Curriculum

UNE's Athletic Training program boasts five full-time faculty members with the ATC® credential, along with over 30 preceptors who supervise students during clinical rotations. The curriculum integrates the study of anatomy and other health-related sciences with the principles of preventing, managing, and rehabilitating athletic and orthopedic injuries.

The average class size is relatively small, especially in the Professional Phase, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship.

Clinical Experience

Clinical experience is a cornerstone of UNE's Athletic Training program. Students have the opportunity to engage in immersive clinical experiences in various settings, tailored to match their career goals. These affiliations include both traditional and evolving settings for athletic trainers.

Research Opportunities

UNE provides research opportunities for Athletic Training students, allowing them to collaborate with leading researchers on topics such as sports-related concussion, isokinetic strength assessment, body composition, bone density, metabolic function, and biomechanical analysis of human movement at the Harold Alfond Forum. Students can also partner with clinicians and researchers through programs like the Maine Concussion Management Initiative.

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Career Goals and Advising

UNE's Athletic Training program prepares graduates for successful careers in the field. Graduates go on to work with sports teams, in physician’s practices, and in other healthcare settings. Academic and career advising is available to all graduate students, providing support in career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, and transitioning to employment. UNE also organizes yearly career fairs to connect students with local employers.

Learning Environment and Facilities

UNE provides a state-of-the-art learning environment for Athletic Training students. The university emphasizes team-based learning, with students studying alongside those from other programs, such as the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Doctor of Dental Medicine programs. This interprofessional approach fosters collaboration and leadership skills.

Key facilities include:

The Harold Alfond Forum: A 105,000-square-foot athletics complex featuring an ice hockey rink, basketball court, classroom space, a fitness center, and multi-purpose indoor practice courts. This facility also houses the Athletic Training and Applied Exercise Science programs, with custom-designed teaching and laboratory spaces.
The Campus Center: A sports complex with a 25-yard/six-lane handicapped-accessible swimming pool, a hot tub, a fully-equipped fitness center, racquetball courts, and a free weight area. The Campus Center is also home to BodyWISE, a resource for specific physical performance objectives and a clinical training program.

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The Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences: A facility with labs, lecture halls, and a gross anatomy lab used by medical, health professions, and Exercise and Sport Performance students.
The Motion Analysis Lab: Located on UNE's Portland Campus, this lab allows for the observation and measurement of human motion, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to projects investigating crucial matters in their field.
The Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center: Students use this center to apply classroom knowledge to realistic clinical situations through simulations with high-fidelity patient simulators and actors.

Financial Aid

UNE's Student Financial Services Office works with graduate students to help them find the best way to finance their education, including grants, scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and loans.

Academics and Admissions

UNE offers a range of academic programs, with popular majors including Biology, Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Medicine, Business, Dental Hygiene, Health Service Preparatory Studies, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Marine Biology and Oceanography, Nursing, Psychology, and Zoology and Entomology. The university also offers pre-professional programs such as Pre-Pharmacy and Physician Assistant.

Admissions Information

The application deadline for undergraduate admissions is February 15, with a final application date of August 15. UNE has rolling admissions and an early action option with a closing date of November 15. The Common Application is accepted.

Academic Requirements

UNE is considered a selective institution. The average ACT composite score for admitted students is between 21 and 27, while the average SAT score is between 1040 and 1230.

Environment and Location

UNE's main campus is located in Biddeford, Maine, a city with a population of approximately 20,942. The campus is situated 18 miles from Portland and 90 miles from Boston. The closest international airport is in Portland, about 18 miles away. UNE also has a branch campus in Portland.

Southern Maine’s beaches, mountains, and woods open up endless recreational opportunities. UNE provides outdoor recreation equipment rentals.

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