Ashley Potvin-Fulford has been the head women's rugby coach at the University of New England for four years, following four with the club program before it turned varsity. The Biddeford native earned degrees from Norwich University while playing two seasons of ice hockey and then two of rugby.
What do you hope the UNE student-athletes learn from their interactions with you?
I hope that my student-athletes learn how to be impactful, thoughtful, and resilient members of the community. I have been through a lot personally in my time at UNE, and I hope to be a good example of a person that can overcome and persevere through tragedy. I love having one on one meetings with players to talk about their future plans, what they do outside of rugby, what issues are important to them, and ways that they want to give back.
Why did you get into the profession and what has kept you in it?
I love working with young people and being someone to help guide them through formative moments and into their next chapter. I come from a background in K-12 public education and using athletics to help student-athletes push and learn about themselves while learning other life lessons.
What memorable moment(s) at UNE do you recall most often?
Being a rugby coach and with the program since the beginning, I often think back to the many firsts I have experienced. Our first conference match, I remember so vividly and with so much detail. I also love highlighting our international tour to Ireland and upsetting the number one seed Colby-Sawyer College to advance to the inaugural NIRA Division III final at Harvard.
What activity(s) do you like to do away from campus that helps balance your life?
Running -- my most frequent hobby. My favorite distance is the half marathon. I also enjoy hiking, traveling, reading, and spending time with my animals: Patches, Stormy, and Pepito. In addition, I am the president of the non-profit organization
A Running Passion.
What factor(s) made you most want to work at UNE?
My journey to UNE is much different than the traditional application process. I was asked back in 2012 by rugby teammate
Patty Williams if I was interested in volunteering as a coach for the newly founded UNE Club Women's Rugby team. As UNE's athletics program expanded and rugby was added, I applied for the position because I knew that it was rare opportunity, not only to be a college coach, but to be a full-time college rugby coach.
What do you enjoy most about UNE? I most enjoy working with my student-athletes and watching them grow throughout their college careers.
What is your favorite physical location on UNE's Biddeford campus? And in the local area?
Freddy Beach on campus. Off campus, I love the Rachael Carson Preserve at Timber Point.
Who has been a mentor(s) related to the profession?
My mother (Marie Potvin), Karol L'Heureux, and Coach Silva.
Catch up on previous spotlights:
Ed Silva, men's basketball
Danielle Collins, field hockey
Curt Smyth, associate director of athletics
