1st Draft (200 Words & Outline) – Emma Burke Profile
Emma Burke: Balancing Mind, Body, and Resilience
I. Emma’s Early Life
In the small coastal town of Harwich, Massachusetts, where the ocean laps quietly against the shore and neighbors mostly keep to themselves, Emma Burke’s story began not with gold medals or podiums, but with curiosity and a sense of play.
The youngest of three sisters in a family of five, she grew up trying a little bit of everything, from tennis with her father to softball with her siblings, but never fully committed to organized sports. That freedom, her parents believed, would allow their children to find their own passions.
For Emma, that passion revealed itself in sixth grade. Her mother, a gymnastics coach, had brought her and her sisters to the gym, and Emma immediately knew she had found her calling.
“I remember thinking, ‘this is it. I want to do gymnastics,’” she recalls, smiling.
For most gymnasts, starting this late would be a disadvantage. Many of her peers had been training for years, and Emma’s adolescent growth spurt meant she towered over girls who were far more diminutive—a physical difference that could stunt progress in the sport.
But Emma was undeterred. “I realized if I want to work really hard, I’ll catch up with them eventually,” she says.
II. Overcoming Injury and Discovering Mental Strength
– Emma’s early gymnastics challenges and the physical toll of intense training.
– Her sophomore-year back injury and year-long recovery process.
– Visualization and mental imagery became her method for staying connected to the sport.
– These techniques helped her manage anxiety and OCD.
III. Redefining Competition and Finding Balance
– Emma’s return to gymnastics with a deeper focus on mental performance.
– Her decision to join UNE’s Club Gymnastics team instead of pursuing NCAA competition.
– She values enjoyment, growth, and self-understanding over perfection.
IV. Academic and Career Path
– Her choice to major in Environmental Studies with a minor in Art Therapy at UNE.
– Her academic interests reflect her family’s background and her passion for helping others.
– Her experiences in sport inspired her to pursue graduate studies in Athletic Counseling and Clinical Mental Health at Springfield College.
V. Professional Life and New Role at UNE
– Her current positions: Student-Athlete Mental Health Performance Coach at UNE, licensed counselor at Wayfinder Wellness, and assistant gymnastics coach.
– She integrates mental health strategies into athletic coaching.
“Mental toughness is a very overused word in sports,” she explains. “For a lot of coaches, it means, ‘Suck it up.’ To me, it’s recognizing the emotions you feel, honoring them, then coping and moving forward. You can be competitive while being kind to yourself.”
VI. Impact and Philosophy
– Emma collaborates with UNE coaches and student-athletes through workshops and one-on-one sessions.
– Athletes respond to her approach and the growing awareness around mental health in sports: “I want to give athletes a space to vent without judgment,” she says. “A lot of times, if you talk to parents or friends, they try to fix things. Here, we process it, understand it, and then build the tools to move forward.”
– Her impact is already evident, with student-athletes increasingly seeking her guidance throughout the highs and lows of the season.
VII. Coming Full Circle
– Emma’s journey from young gymnast to mentor and counselor.
– Her experiences of injury, anxiety, and perseverance now shape her coaching style.
– Her philosophy: ensuring that the next generation of athletes not only excels in performance but also understands the value of self-compassion, mental resilience, and the quiet strength that comes from knowing they are not alone.
As an eight year old girl from southern Texas, Abby Zamora decided to give volleyball a try. It took no time at all for young Zamora to fall in love with the sport, and playing at the next level was her newfound dream.
“After I made varsity in high school, it became about what was next,” Zamora states, “I didn’t want to let this part of my life go and knew I had to keep going.”
Now at 18-years old, Zamora gets to see her dream become a reality. Being a key-player for the University of New England volleyball team, thousands of miles from home, that eight year old girl could not be prouder.
“It was always about making me as a little girl proud, and if she saw me now she would be so proud and in awe of all I’ve done and overcome,” Zamora said.
Being from Texas, also known as one of the best states for volleyball in America, Abby has seen pretty much all there is to see. She’s no stranger to facing difficult competition, high expectations, and pushing the boundaries.
Zamora attended Robert Vela High School in Edinburgh, Texas. Though she had been playing for years prior, she started to face much stronger competition at Vela.
“I was fourteen playing with seventeen year olds, so I was always, not looked down upon, but reminded that I was younger. Because of it I always had to train harder, but it definitely brought my skills and volleyball IQ up.”
With plenty of ambition, determination, and support, Abby found herself being welcomed into the world of college volleyball.
Outline:
Nut Graph
Quote
Life story/background
Quote
Interview/response about UNE Field Hockey journey (recruitment & career)
Motivation & Story theme: resilience, grit, hard work
Quote
What’s next + Future plans
Dawn DeWeese Moss of Pittsfield, Maine, had no plans of playing the sport of field hockey, especially not at the college level. But eight years, a championship ring, and a degree later, Dawn has come full circle by taking on the role of an assistant coach here at her alma mater, UNE field hockey.
“I started playing in high school because my friends convinced me, I didn’t expect to end up this good at it”, Dawn remarked. “The team needed another goalie, which looked just silly enough for me to try it.”
She grew up playing a variety of sports like lacrosse, basketball, and track to name a few, but her field hockey journey started somewhat on the later side. Dawn took to the sport and position immediately. Her very first season playing she earned the role of starting GK, overtaking the pre-existing goalie very quickly.
“I didn’t want to play in college, but my club coach yelling at me for not trying to get recruited lit a fire in me and my mind was changed” She said.
Interview/Response section about recruitment journey and career
What was your recruitment process like?
My recruitment process was definitely different than most people because I was a 2020 senior. All the tournaments I would have normally gone to were cancelled due to Covid, so once I started emailing Coach (UNE Head Coach Danielle Collins), I had to make my own skills video because she needed to see film. Overall, it was a pretty short process because UNE was pretty much the only school I was seriously considering, and they happened to need a goalie.
What was your college athletics career like?
My first season, preseason especially, was extremely rough for many reasons. NCAA college pre season is hard on its own, but add on the fact that I was the only GK as a freshman and my mom was really sick at the time, it was unbelievably brutal. I was struggling so bad during quadruple sessions of preseason that coach gave me a session off, which is saying something. From there I was on the come up and played a good bit my freshman and sophomore year, but I officially took the role of starting GK going into my junior season. More…
1 more q&a
Motivation & Story theme: resilience, grit, hard work
-discussing how her mom passing away from cancer her freshman year forced her to be resilient
Quote
What’s next + Future plans
“On the come up.” Dawn DeWeese Moss, 2025
Connor has been born and raised in Maine and has lived here his whole life and has just recently moved into the Saco area. Connor went to the University of Southern Maine where he got a BA in Media Studies, then he would go on to get an MBA in Business Analytics at the University of Maine.
Connor’s first internship was not even connected to sports. He got an internship at an Enterprise selling cars at 19. Even though it was not connected to sports he could still use skills learned at the job like how to sell, engage with new people, open up conversation, and generate revenue. His next internship would be at a sports radio station where he would have his own sports radio talk show.
Connor works as the Director, Center for Sport and Business Innovation at UNE. With this job he helps to continue innovating the sports world both at and away from UNE. Connor has helped UNE maintain a trusting relationship with the Maine Mariners which has helped many students from UNE by providing them with internships. As well as Connor has helped collect qualitative data for multiple textbooks that are in the process of being published.
Outline:
Nut Graph
Background Info
Quote
Interview Questions and answers
Quote
What he can do in the future
Quote
Basketball first started as just a dream for Dalton Donovan as ever since the young age of eight, he’s had a love and passion for the game.
“I remember vividly watching Kobe Bryant play as a young kid and dove deeper into how much hard work and dedication that he put into his craft. I wanted to emulate him in any way.”
Now at the age of 21, Dalton is gearing up for his junior year at UNE, and working even harder on his craft and getting better each time he steps foot on the basketball court.
“I remember telling my high school coaches that I wanted to play basketball at the collegiate level, and they responded by telling me to work on maybe being a team manager of some sort. That motivated me to want to accomplish my dream so much more.”
Being from Holderness New Hampshire, a very small town, Dalton grew up knowing that he wasn’t gonna be the most athletically gifted athlete compared to others, but he reminisced on admiring Kobe Bryant and his “Mamba Mentality” and knowing that in order to get to where he wanted to go, he would have to put in the work.
From attending Holderness Prep (High school) to landing at UNE, his journey has not always been perfect. He credits going to a prep school largely as he adapted very well as he transitioned into college.
Jerry Azzinaro has built a football coaching career defined by an unmatched depth of experience. Now leading the defense for the University of New England Nor’easters, Azzinaro brings more than four decades of coaching at every level of the game — from small-college programs in New England to powerhouse NCAA teams and the NFL. Known for his fiery energy and demanding standards, Azzinaro has mentored countless athletes while developing a reputation as a teacher who builds disciplined, resilient defenses.
A Massachusetts native and former linebacker at American International College, Azzinaro began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant in 1982. His path has since taken him across the country — from coordinating defenses at UCLA and Duke and syracuse to working alongside Chip Kelly at Oregon, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the San Francisco 49ers. Wherever he’s gone, his intensity and player-first mindset have earned respect from his players and peers. Returning to his New England roots at UNE marks the latest chapter in a great career built on grit, growth, and a deep love for the game.
Outline
Early Life and Playing Career – Background, college years at AIC, early passion for coaching.
Climbing the Coaching Ladder – Key roles at UMass, Maine, and Syracuse; lessons learned.
Oregon and the Kelly Era – Transition to major programs, defensive philosophy, player development.
NFL Experience – Coaching style at the professional level, leadership qualities.
Return to New England / UNE Hire – Why he joined UNE, goals for the defense, cultural fit.
Coaching Philosophy and Legacy – Core principles, how he motivates players, long-term influence on teams and athletes.
Variety of players coached- Difference in coaching NFL players compared to small Div 3 school players
From the University of New England Football program taking its first steps in 2017, to establishing itself as a Conference of New England powerhouse. Players and coaches have come and gone. One of the few people who can say they have been there since before the stadium and locker rooms were built is Coach Trevor Therrien.
Therrien started with the team as one of its first players, earning time on the field as a long snapper. However, a back injury would unfortunately cut his playing time short.
QUOTE-about injury
Therrien didn’t let this obstacle keep him from contributing to the program. He decided to be volunteer his time to help the team in any way.
QUOTE-decision to volunteer
Therrien was present for the team first-ever win against Curry College. knowing he could contribute to a major program first was a special moment for Therrien.
QUOTE-memory of first win
Therrien decided football was something he had to be a part of for the rest of his life. He soon became the team’s defensive line coach for the 2020 season.
QUOTE- role of coaching
Currently, Therrien is in his third year as the tight ends Coach for the UNE football team, with a program record of 7 wins on the season so far.
Looking to complete a full circle moment with a win against Curry College in their next matchup. A win would earn the team their first-ever bowl game.
QUOTE-lessons learned from the program
Outline I plan to follow for the final draft.
Lead
Nut graph- Therrien’s background on early days with team.
Quote- about his time as a player/injury
Background- why he stopped playing
quote- the mental and physical challenges of no longer playing
background- he decided to search for a new role on the team
quote- when/why he decided to take on a different role in the team
The team’s first win
background on the team’s first win
quote- his memory and feelings of witnessing the first win.
background-becoming a coach
quote- what makes football special to be a part of
present-day status of the team
present-day status of Therrien
quote- lessons learned from watching successes and failures of the program
From Player to Coach: Aidan Cadogan Kicks Off New Chapter with UNE Football
Although he still laces up his cleats, Cadogan now spends his time on the field in a new way, using his experience to mentor UNE’s specialists.
It’s not often you hear quacking on a football field or find players spraying each other with water on the sideline. But that’s just a part of Aidan Cadogan’s coaching style. He keeps practices fun but competitive, using creative distractions to make every drill feel game realistic.
Originally from Belmont, Massachusetts, Cadogan began his college career at the University of New Hampshire, taking over punting duties as a sophomore in 2021. He finished this season as the third most efficient punter in the conference, averaging 41.8 yards per punt.
After then spending his junior year primarily as a holder, Cadogan decided to transfer to the University of Maine for his senior season in 2023. The move proved well worth it. In his first year with the Black Bears, he set a UMaine single season record with an average of 43.5 yards per punt.
“QUOTE FROM CADOGAN ABOUT THE TRANSITION AFTER TRANSFERRING”
In 2024, Cadogan returned for a graduate year and continued to excel, averaging 41.0 yards per punt and earning Fourth Team All Conference honors. He would also go on to receive the Woody Carville Student-Athlete Achievement Award, recognizing his excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
Cadogan’s college career wasn’t all about stats and records though. Along the way, he played in some of the toughest pressure situations you can have in a career. From facing Pittsburgh while with the Wildcats to taking the field against Oklahoma with the Black Bears, Cadogan was tested in some of the biggest stadiums in college football.
“QUOTE ABOUT TAKING THESE EXPERIENCES AND BECOMING A COACH”
Profile Draft (1st Draft)
Leading the Weight Room – Profile on Corrine McPadden
By Jimmy Hulland
Long before she was coaching college athletes in the University of New England weight room, before the early alarms and the training logs and the endless reps, strength and conditioning was simply a feeling for Corrine McPadden. A feeling rooted in movement, competition, and growth.
“Sport has always been a central part of my life,” said McPadden, who as a child was encouraged by her parents to try her hand at everything from gymnastics and dance to golf, soccer, softball, and basketball. In the process, she didn’t just learn athletic skills-she developed a love for performance itself.
But it wasn’t until college that she realized how much strength and conditioning shaped her and others identity. While playing basketball at Roanoke College, McPadden underwent surgery on both feet which she said was an experience that pulled her away from the court, and toward the weight room.
“That experience gave me first-hand insight into the physical and mental challenges athletes face when dealing with injury,” she said. “Strength training deepened my appreciation for the resilience and discipline required to return to play.”
That one moment changed everything.
Following graduation, she interned at UConn, learning from college strength coaches with experience. It was then that she realized she didn’t just want to train athletes, she wanted to develop them. A mentor encouraged her to go to graduate school, and thus she landed at Merrimack College, balancing a full course load while serving as a head strength coach for four teams.
The challenge pushed her and confirmed that she was where she was supposed to be.
Outline
Nut Graph – Corrine’s journey from multi-sport childhood to strength coach shaped by injury.
Quote – “Sport has always been a central part of my life…”
Delayed Lead – Injury opened the path to strength and conditioning.
Quote – Foot surgery experience shaping her perspective.
Background – UConn internship → Merrimack grad school → coaching multiple teams.
Quote/Interview – Meeting athletes where they are / humans first.
Theme/Importance – Coaching built on relationships, trust, connection.
How Did She Get Here? – Mentorship + hands-on collegiate training experience.
Quote – “They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
What’s Next? – Wants athletes to learn resilience, discipline, belief in themselves.
Quote – “I hope athletes learn to embrace the suck…”
Since arriving at the University of New England in 2017, Coach Mike Lichten has played a central role in establishing the Nor’easters football program. As the team’s first head coach, he has guided UNE through its early seasons, focusing on building a foundation rooted in accountability, teamwork, and steady growth both on and off the field.
Lichten’s coaching philosophy emphasizes consistency, preparation, and personal development. Players describe him as approachable yet demanding — a coach who sets high expectations but provides the structure and guidance to reach them. His leadership reflects years of experience at the Division III level, including his time as head coach at Becker College before joining UNE. Those experiences have shaped his attention to detail, strategic mindset, and ability to cultivate a strong locker room culture.
Under his direction, the Nor’easters have made consistent progress, earning respect across the Commonwealth Coast Conference for their discipline and competitiveness. Lichten continues to focus on developing a lasting culture — one that values growth, leadership, and commitment as much as winning. As the program expands, his influence will remain central to UNE football’s identity and future success, setting the tone for seasons still to come.
Outline: Coach Mike Lichten Profile
Introduction
Overview of Coach Mike Lichten’s role at UNE
Year he arrived and significance as the program’s first head coach
Early vision: building culture, accountability, and growth
Building the Program
Challenges of starting a new football team from scratch
Early seasons and establishing the team’s identity
How Lichten built team culture and community support
Coaching Philosophy
Core values: consistency, preparation, and personal development
How he balances being approachable and demanding
Focus on academics, leadership, and player growth beyond football
Experience and Background
Previous coaching experience at Becker College and other programs
Skills and lessons carried into his role at UNE
Influence of his coaching journey on his methods and mindset
Impact and Legacy
UNE football’s growth under his leadership
Reputation in the Commonwealth Coast Conference
How his influence extends beyond wins and losses
Future goals for the program
Conclusion
Reflection on Lichten’s lasting impact on UNE football
Preview of what’s next for him and the Nor’easters
12 thoughts on “JOURNAL # 10”
1st Draft (200 Words & Outline) – Emma Burke Profile
Emma Burke: Balancing Mind, Body, and Resilience
I. Emma’s Early Life
In the small coastal town of Harwich, Massachusetts, where the ocean laps quietly against the shore and neighbors mostly keep to themselves, Emma Burke’s story began not with gold medals or podiums, but with curiosity and a sense of play.
The youngest of three sisters in a family of five, she grew up trying a little bit of everything, from tennis with her father to softball with her siblings, but never fully committed to organized sports. That freedom, her parents believed, would allow their children to find their own passions.
For Emma, that passion revealed itself in sixth grade. Her mother, a gymnastics coach, had brought her and her sisters to the gym, and Emma immediately knew she had found her calling.
“I remember thinking, ‘this is it. I want to do gymnastics,’” she recalls, smiling.
For most gymnasts, starting this late would be a disadvantage. Many of her peers had been training for years, and Emma’s adolescent growth spurt meant she towered over girls who were far more diminutive—a physical difference that could stunt progress in the sport.
But Emma was undeterred. “I realized if I want to work really hard, I’ll catch up with them eventually,” she says.
II. Overcoming Injury and Discovering Mental Strength
– Emma’s early gymnastics challenges and the physical toll of intense training.
– Her sophomore-year back injury and year-long recovery process.
– Visualization and mental imagery became her method for staying connected to the sport.
– These techniques helped her manage anxiety and OCD.
III. Redefining Competition and Finding Balance
– Emma’s return to gymnastics with a deeper focus on mental performance.
– Her decision to join UNE’s Club Gymnastics team instead of pursuing NCAA competition.
– She values enjoyment, growth, and self-understanding over perfection.
IV. Academic and Career Path
– Her choice to major in Environmental Studies with a minor in Art Therapy at UNE.
– Her academic interests reflect her family’s background and her passion for helping others.
– Her experiences in sport inspired her to pursue graduate studies in Athletic Counseling and Clinical Mental Health at Springfield College.
V. Professional Life and New Role at UNE
– Her current positions: Student-Athlete Mental Health Performance Coach at UNE, licensed counselor at Wayfinder Wellness, and assistant gymnastics coach.
– She integrates mental health strategies into athletic coaching.
“Mental toughness is a very overused word in sports,” she explains. “For a lot of coaches, it means, ‘Suck it up.’ To me, it’s recognizing the emotions you feel, honoring them, then coping and moving forward. You can be competitive while being kind to yourself.”
VI. Impact and Philosophy
– Emma collaborates with UNE coaches and student-athletes through workshops and one-on-one sessions.
– Athletes respond to her approach and the growing awareness around mental health in sports: “I want to give athletes a space to vent without judgment,” she says. “A lot of times, if you talk to parents or friends, they try to fix things. Here, we process it, understand it, and then build the tools to move forward.”
– Her impact is already evident, with student-athletes increasingly seeking her guidance throughout the highs and lows of the season.
VII. Coming Full Circle
– Emma’s journey from young gymnast to mentor and counselor.
– Her experiences of injury, anxiety, and perseverance now shape her coaching style.
– Her philosophy: ensuring that the next generation of athletes not only excels in performance but also understands the value of self-compassion, mental resilience, and the quiet strength that comes from knowing they are not alone.
1st Draft + Outline- Abby Zamora Profile:
2,275 Miles For Volleyball
By Syd Fye
As an eight year old girl from southern Texas, Abby Zamora decided to give volleyball a try. It took no time at all for young Zamora to fall in love with the sport, and playing at the next level was her newfound dream.
“After I made varsity in high school, it became about what was next,” Zamora states, “I didn’t want to let this part of my life go and knew I had to keep going.”
Now at 18-years old, Zamora gets to see her dream become a reality. Being a key-player for the University of New England volleyball team, thousands of miles from home, that eight year old girl could not be prouder.
“It was always about making me as a little girl proud, and if she saw me now she would be so proud and in awe of all I’ve done and overcome,” Zamora said.
Being from Texas, also known as one of the best states for volleyball in America, Abby has seen pretty much all there is to see. She’s no stranger to facing difficult competition, high expectations, and pushing the boundaries.
Zamora attended Robert Vela High School in Edinburgh, Texas. Though she had been playing for years prior, she started to face much stronger competition at Vela.
“I was fourteen playing with seventeen year olds, so I was always, not looked down upon, but reminded that I was younger. Because of it I always had to train harder, but it definitely brought my skills and volleyball IQ up.”
With plenty of ambition, determination, and support, Abby found herself being welcomed into the world of college volleyball.
Outline:
Nut Graph
Quote
Delayed Lead
Quote
Background
Quote/ Interview
Theme/Importance of Story
How did the subject get here?
Quote
What’s Next?
Quote
Profile 200wrd draft/Outline
Goalkeeping Against All Odds
By Greta Jennison
Outline:
Nut Graph
Quote
Life story/background
Quote
Interview/response about UNE Field Hockey journey (recruitment & career)
Motivation & Story theme: resilience, grit, hard work
Quote
What’s next + Future plans
Dawn DeWeese Moss of Pittsfield, Maine, had no plans of playing the sport of field hockey, especially not at the college level. But eight years, a championship ring, and a degree later, Dawn has come full circle by taking on the role of an assistant coach here at her alma mater, UNE field hockey.
“I started playing in high school because my friends convinced me, I didn’t expect to end up this good at it”, Dawn remarked. “The team needed another goalie, which looked just silly enough for me to try it.”
She grew up playing a variety of sports like lacrosse, basketball, and track to name a few, but her field hockey journey started somewhat on the later side. Dawn took to the sport and position immediately. Her very first season playing she earned the role of starting GK, overtaking the pre-existing goalie very quickly.
“I didn’t want to play in college, but my club coach yelling at me for not trying to get recruited lit a fire in me and my mind was changed” She said.
Interview/Response section about recruitment journey and career
What was your recruitment process like?
My recruitment process was definitely different than most people because I was a 2020 senior. All the tournaments I would have normally gone to were cancelled due to Covid, so once I started emailing Coach (UNE Head Coach Danielle Collins), I had to make my own skills video because she needed to see film. Overall, it was a pretty short process because UNE was pretty much the only school I was seriously considering, and they happened to need a goalie.
What was your college athletics career like?
My first season, preseason especially, was extremely rough for many reasons. NCAA college pre season is hard on its own, but add on the fact that I was the only GK as a freshman and my mom was really sick at the time, it was unbelievably brutal. I was struggling so bad during quadruple sessions of preseason that coach gave me a session off, which is saying something. From there I was on the come up and played a good bit my freshman and sophomore year, but I officially took the role of starting GK going into my junior season. More…
1 more q&a
Motivation & Story theme: resilience, grit, hard work
-discussing how her mom passing away from cancer her freshman year forced her to be resilient
Quote
What’s next + Future plans
“On the come up.” Dawn DeWeese Moss, 2025
https://gjennison.uneportfolio.org/2025/11/07/200wrd-draft-outline/
Connor Blake – Profile first draft and outline
Connor has been born and raised in Maine and has lived here his whole life and has just recently moved into the Saco area. Connor went to the University of Southern Maine where he got a BA in Media Studies, then he would go on to get an MBA in Business Analytics at the University of Maine.
Connor’s first internship was not even connected to sports. He got an internship at an Enterprise selling cars at 19. Even though it was not connected to sports he could still use skills learned at the job like how to sell, engage with new people, open up conversation, and generate revenue. His next internship would be at a sports radio station where he would have his own sports radio talk show.
Connor works as the Director, Center for Sport and Business Innovation at UNE. With this job he helps to continue innovating the sports world both at and away from UNE. Connor has helped UNE maintain a trusting relationship with the Maine Mariners which has helped many students from UNE by providing them with internships. As well as Connor has helped collect qualitative data for multiple textbooks that are in the process of being published.
Outline:
Nut Graph
Background Info
Quote
Interview Questions and answers
Quote
What he can do in the future
Quote
Profile 200 word/Outline
The game in a deeper lens: Dalton Donovan
By: Khalil Cook
Basketball first started as just a dream for Dalton Donovan as ever since the young age of eight, he’s had a love and passion for the game.
“I remember vividly watching Kobe Bryant play as a young kid and dove deeper into how much hard work and dedication that he put into his craft. I wanted to emulate him in any way.”
Now at the age of 21, Dalton is gearing up for his junior year at UNE, and working even harder on his craft and getting better each time he steps foot on the basketball court.
“I remember telling my high school coaches that I wanted to play basketball at the collegiate level, and they responded by telling me to work on maybe being a team manager of some sort. That motivated me to want to accomplish my dream so much more.”
Being from Holderness New Hampshire, a very small town, Dalton grew up knowing that he wasn’t gonna be the most athletically gifted athlete compared to others, but he reminisced on admiring Kobe Bryant and his “Mamba Mentality” and knowing that in order to get to where he wanted to go, he would have to put in the work.
From attending Holderness Prep (High school) to landing at UNE, his journey has not always been perfect. He credits going to a prep school largely as he adapted very well as he transitioned into college.
Outline:
Nut Graph
Quote
Life story/background
Quote
Response on transitioning into college
Quote
What’s the future plans
https://kcook14.uneportfolio.org/2025/11/07/first-draft/
Jerry Azzinaro has built a football coaching career defined by an unmatched depth of experience. Now leading the defense for the University of New England Nor’easters, Azzinaro brings more than four decades of coaching at every level of the game — from small-college programs in New England to powerhouse NCAA teams and the NFL. Known for his fiery energy and demanding standards, Azzinaro has mentored countless athletes while developing a reputation as a teacher who builds disciplined, resilient defenses.
A Massachusetts native and former linebacker at American International College, Azzinaro began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant in 1982. His path has since taken him across the country — from coordinating defenses at UCLA and Duke and syracuse to working alongside Chip Kelly at Oregon, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the San Francisco 49ers. Wherever he’s gone, his intensity and player-first mindset have earned respect from his players and peers. Returning to his New England roots at UNE marks the latest chapter in a great career built on grit, growth, and a deep love for the game.
Outline
Early Life and Playing Career – Background, college years at AIC, early passion for coaching.
Climbing the Coaching Ladder – Key roles at UMass, Maine, and Syracuse; lessons learned.
Oregon and the Kelly Era – Transition to major programs, defensive philosophy, player development.
NFL Experience – Coaching style at the professional level, leadership qualities.
Return to New England / UNE Hire – Why he joined UNE, goals for the defense, cultural fit.
Coaching Philosophy and Legacy – Core principles, how he motivates players, long-term influence on teams and athletes.
Variety of players coached- Difference in coaching NFL players compared to small Div 3 school players
Casey Jordan 1st draft/Outline
From the University of New England Football program taking its first steps in 2017, to establishing itself as a Conference of New England powerhouse. Players and coaches have come and gone. One of the few people who can say they have been there since before the stadium and locker rooms were built is Coach Trevor Therrien.
Therrien started with the team as one of its first players, earning time on the field as a long snapper. However, a back injury would unfortunately cut his playing time short.
QUOTE-about injury
Therrien didn’t let this obstacle keep him from contributing to the program. He decided to be volunteer his time to help the team in any way.
QUOTE-decision to volunteer
Therrien was present for the team first-ever win against Curry College. knowing he could contribute to a major program first was a special moment for Therrien.
QUOTE-memory of first win
Therrien decided football was something he had to be a part of for the rest of his life. He soon became the team’s defensive line coach for the 2020 season.
QUOTE- role of coaching
Currently, Therrien is in his third year as the tight ends Coach for the UNE football team, with a program record of 7 wins on the season so far.
Looking to complete a full circle moment with a win against Curry College in their next matchup. A win would earn the team their first-ever bowl game.
QUOTE-lessons learned from the program
Outline I plan to follow for the final draft.
Lead
Nut graph- Therrien’s background on early days with team.
Quote- about his time as a player/injury
Background- why he stopped playing
quote- the mental and physical challenges of no longer playing
background- he decided to search for a new role on the team
quote- when/why he decided to take on a different role in the team
The team’s first win
background on the team’s first win
quote- his memory and feelings of witnessing the first win.
background-becoming a coach
quote- what makes football special to be a part of
present-day status of the team
present-day status of Therrien
quote- lessons learned from watching successes and failures of the program
1st Draft
From Player to Coach: Aidan Cadogan Kicks Off New Chapter with UNE Football
Although he still laces up his cleats, Cadogan now spends his time on the field in a new way, using his experience to mentor UNE’s specialists.
It’s not often you hear quacking on a football field or find players spraying each other with water on the sideline. But that’s just a part of Aidan Cadogan’s coaching style. He keeps practices fun but competitive, using creative distractions to make every drill feel game realistic.
Originally from Belmont, Massachusetts, Cadogan began his college career at the University of New Hampshire, taking over punting duties as a sophomore in 2021. He finished this season as the third most efficient punter in the conference, averaging 41.8 yards per punt.
After then spending his junior year primarily as a holder, Cadogan decided to transfer to the University of Maine for his senior season in 2023. The move proved well worth it. In his first year with the Black Bears, he set a UMaine single season record with an average of 43.5 yards per punt.
“QUOTE FROM CADOGAN ABOUT THE TRANSITION AFTER TRANSFERRING”
In 2024, Cadogan returned for a graduate year and continued to excel, averaging 41.0 yards per punt and earning Fourth Team All Conference honors. He would also go on to receive the Woody Carville Student-Athlete Achievement Award, recognizing his excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
Cadogan’s college career wasn’t all about stats and records though. Along the way, he played in some of the toughest pressure situations you can have in a career. From facing Pittsburgh while with the Wildcats to taking the field against Oklahoma with the Black Bears, Cadogan was tested in some of the biggest stadiums in college football.
“QUOTE ABOUT TAKING THESE EXPERIENCES AND BECOMING A COACH”
Profile Draft (1st Draft)
Leading the Weight Room – Profile on Corrine McPadden
By Jimmy Hulland
Long before she was coaching college athletes in the University of New England weight room, before the early alarms and the training logs and the endless reps, strength and conditioning was simply a feeling for Corrine McPadden. A feeling rooted in movement, competition, and growth.
“Sport has always been a central part of my life,” said McPadden, who as a child was encouraged by her parents to try her hand at everything from gymnastics and dance to golf, soccer, softball, and basketball. In the process, she didn’t just learn athletic skills-she developed a love for performance itself.
But it wasn’t until college that she realized how much strength and conditioning shaped her and others identity. While playing basketball at Roanoke College, McPadden underwent surgery on both feet which she said was an experience that pulled her away from the court, and toward the weight room.
“That experience gave me first-hand insight into the physical and mental challenges athletes face when dealing with injury,” she said. “Strength training deepened my appreciation for the resilience and discipline required to return to play.”
That one moment changed everything.
Following graduation, she interned at UConn, learning from college strength coaches with experience. It was then that she realized she didn’t just want to train athletes, she wanted to develop them. A mentor encouraged her to go to graduate school, and thus she landed at Merrimack College, balancing a full course load while serving as a head strength coach for four teams.
The challenge pushed her and confirmed that she was where she was supposed to be.
Outline
Nut Graph – Corrine’s journey from multi-sport childhood to strength coach shaped by injury.
Quote – “Sport has always been a central part of my life…”
Delayed Lead – Injury opened the path to strength and conditioning.
Quote – Foot surgery experience shaping her perspective.
Background – UConn internship → Merrimack grad school → coaching multiple teams.
Quote/Interview – Meeting athletes where they are / humans first.
Theme/Importance – Coaching built on relationships, trust, connection.
How Did She Get Here? – Mentorship + hands-on collegiate training experience.
Quote – “They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
What’s Next? – Wants athletes to learn resilience, discipline, belief in themselves.
Quote – “I hope athletes learn to embrace the suck…”
Coach Lichten first draft
Since arriving at the University of New England in 2017, Coach Mike Lichten has played a central role in establishing the Nor’easters football program. As the team’s first head coach, he has guided UNE through its early seasons, focusing on building a foundation rooted in accountability, teamwork, and steady growth both on and off the field.
Lichten’s coaching philosophy emphasizes consistency, preparation, and personal development. Players describe him as approachable yet demanding — a coach who sets high expectations but provides the structure and guidance to reach them. His leadership reflects years of experience at the Division III level, including his time as head coach at Becker College before joining UNE. Those experiences have shaped his attention to detail, strategic mindset, and ability to cultivate a strong locker room culture.
Under his direction, the Nor’easters have made consistent progress, earning respect across the Commonwealth Coast Conference for their discipline and competitiveness. Lichten continues to focus on developing a lasting culture — one that values growth, leadership, and commitment as much as winning. As the program expands, his influence will remain central to UNE football’s identity and future success, setting the tone for seasons still to come.
Outline: Coach Mike Lichten Profile
Introduction
Overview of Coach Mike Lichten’s role at UNE
Year he arrived and significance as the program’s first head coach
Early vision: building culture, accountability, and growth
Building the Program
Challenges of starting a new football team from scratch
Early seasons and establishing the team’s identity
How Lichten built team culture and community support
Coaching Philosophy
Core values: consistency, preparation, and personal development
How he balances being approachable and demanding
Focus on academics, leadership, and player growth beyond football
Experience and Background
Previous coaching experience at Becker College and other programs
Skills and lessons carried into his role at UNE
Influence of his coaching journey on his methods and mindset
Impact and Legacy
UNE football’s growth under his leadership
Reputation in the Commonwealth Coast Conference
How his influence extends beyond wins and losses
Future goals for the program
Conclusion
Reflection on Lichten’s lasting impact on UNE football
Preview of what’s next for him and the Nor’easters
https://eglynos.uneportfolio.org/profile/