Mike Lichten has been the head football coach at the University of New England since February 2016, when the program was established. The Newton, Mass. native had five years of collegiate head coaching experience coming in, and holds degrees from the University of New Hampshire and Ohio University.
What do you hope the UNE student-athletes learn from their interactions with you?
Our student-athletes know my role. I am an educator and I am here to teach them life skills through their participation in our Football Family. Our mission has been the same since I interviewed for the position: To guide young people to become mature, prepared members of a global society; to teach student-athletes, through playing football, the importance of teamwork, accountability, discipline, sacrifice, determination, and how to overcome adversity in every aspect of their lives. I aim to ensure that those who graduate from UNE having been a part of our Family are ready to excel in the next steps of their lives. The essential focus of our program is to help its members grow and become equipped to handle the challenges that life will inevitably present them.
What memorable moment(s) at UNE do you recall most often?
As we have built this program from the ground up, there have been countless memorable moments of challenge and growth. The on-field triumphs are easy to remember. Whether it was taking the field for the first time ever as a Family in uniforms that had never been worn with our unique logo on helmets that can never be imitated, or watching a last-second field goal split the uprights for our team's first ever NCAA victory, it's easy to savor the on-field memories. The essential moments to recall are far less publicized. It validates all the hours and hard work when we can help our student- athletes overcome academic, social and athletic challenges. My favorite memories are moments where I have motivated a student-athlete to persevere through a challenging course or provide resources and connections to ensure they acquire skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
Who has been a mentor(s) related to the profession?
I was fortunate enough to start my coaching path at the University of New Hampshire under Sean McDonnell. Not only was Coach Mac influential to me at a young age, but he gave me opportunities to grow and learn from mistakes while contributing to one of the nation's top FCS programs. The entire staff was comprised of talented, hard-working, genuine people who helped me discover that coaching football is my life's calling.
What factor(s) made you most want to work at UNE? What do you enjoy most about UNE?
The opportunity to be a part of starting the football program at here was a challenge I felt I was prepared for. There are very few moments in life where one can change or create history. I felt I had the energy, focus and ambition to play major part in bringing football to an already established athletics department and institution on the rise in UNE. The commitment to academic excellence, with which students receive unique opportunities to find their path in life, is exciting.
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
Erin Shellene, athletic trainer
