Erin Shellene has started her fourth year as an athletic trainer at the University of New England. The Kennebunkport native holds degrees from Merrimack College and Nichols College.

What do you enjoy most about UNE?
The best part about working at UNE is the relationships you form with students, faculty and staff. Everyone is here to support one another in any way they can. I am fortunate to work at place with such a great community! 

What do you hope the UNE student-athletes learn from their interactions with you?
What I hope the student-athletes learn from me is that I care about them in all aspects of their life. College is really a time where you grow into the person you are supposed to be and I want to be there and support them any way I can!

What is your favorite physical location on UNE's Biddeford campus?
My favorite place on UNE's Campus is Hazard Field. I love covering practices/games and being able to see my team play, as well as looking out to marsh with the ocean view.

What is the best professional advice you have received; something that you try to apply to each and every day?
The best professional advice came from a physician assistant I shadowed. He said: 'if you just sit and listen to a patient, they will tell you everything you need to know.' I apply that to my career in athletic training. I try to sit and listen to my student-athletes, to better understand what they are going through and how I can help them.

What memorable moment(s) at UNE do you recall most often?
One of the most memorable moments at UNE was the trip to Ireland with Women's Rugby. Being able to travel internationally with a team and explore new places was an experience of a lifetime. Another great memory was doing team yoga with Women's Rugby and Men's Soccer at Freddy Beach.  

Why did you get into the profession and what has kept you in it?
Growing up, I had always been interested in working in the medical field because of my mom's history of injuries. Once I got into college and began shadowing an athletic trainer, I realized it was the career for me. As an AT, you get to see behind the scenes of athletics which few are able to see. One of the best parts about being an athletic trainer is working with an athlete from initial injury to full return to play. Finally seeing them back in competition is the best feeling in the world. 

Who has been a mentor(s) related to the profession?
A mentor of mine is Heather Hanjack, the Head Athletic Trainer at Merrimack College. She was my preceptor senior year. Heather helped me by building my confidence up to transition from athletic training student to certified athletic trainer.

What activity(s) do you like to do away from campus that helps balance your life?
I enjoy going to the beach, traveling to new places, cooking new recipes, and spending time with family and friends. 
 

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Catch up on previous spotlights:
Ed Silva, men's basketball
Danielle Collins, field hockey
Curt Smyth, associate director of athletics
Ashley Potvin-Fulford, women's rugby
Kasey Keenan '02, men's golf
Lyndie Kelley '11, strength & conditioning
David Venditti, women's ice hockey
Carly Gettler, women's soccer
Tristan Durgin '07, sports information
Sue Estabrook, women's lacrosse
Rick Hayes, women's swimming
Patty Williams, assistant director of athletics
Peter Ostergaard, men's soccer
Emily Zoltko '17, athletic trainer
Charlie Burch, men's lacrosse
Jasmine Honey, athletic trainer
Dave Ambrose, assistant director of athletics
Kenny Treschitta/Tim Viall, football coordinators
Brian Razak, head athletic trainer