Kasey Keenan '02 has been at his alma mater ever since graduating. He has been the head men's golf coach at the University of New England for 15 years (leading the program to its only state title), which overlapped with the ends of stints as assistant coach for the men's basketball team (8 years) and the Coordinator of Intramural and Club Sports (7 years). As a student-athlete at UNE, the Presque Isle, Maine native played four seasons of basketball, three of golf, and one of soccer.
What do you enjoy most about UNE?
For me the most enjoyable aspect of working at UNE has been the close-knit relationships that I have been able to build with both co-workers and student-athletes. So many of the people that I have been able to get to know through my work have become a big part of my life, and I will always be thankful for that. It really is a special community that has added so many positive things to my life.
What factors made you most want to work at UNE?
After spending four years at UNE as a student-athlete as a Sport Management major, I jumped at the chance to become a full-time employee and coach within the Athletics Department. I had such a tremendous experience as a student-athlete, and was able to build a relationship with many of the coaches at that time which made the transition to a member of the Athletics staff very seamless. I always enjoyed the small school feel, but also felt that the Athletics Department was very important to the overall university community.
What do you hope the UNE student-athletes learn from their interactions with you?
My goal has always been to lead by example and by my actions. I hope that the student-athletes who I have coached and worked with directly would say that my priority is to be respectful and committed to supporting them in all areas of their lives.
Why did you get into the profession and what has kept you in it?
I was raised by two parents who were in education their entire lives, and my father, specifically, spent a number of years as a coach and high school athletic director. I was around sports from a very early age and they quickly became a passion for my brother and me. Around the time of high school, I started to think about a career in coaching and education. Once I got my first full-time job as the golf coach and assistant men's basketball coach here at UNE, I fell in love with the profession, and being able to compete after my playing days were over was something that became essential in my life. Over time I have come to see the vast number of blessings that the coaching world has afforded me, and ultimately the relationships that I have developed are what keep me motivated within the job.
What is the best professional advice you have a received; something that you try to apply to each and every day?
My father was a long time coach, athletic director, principal, and superintendent in northern Maine. The one piece of his advice that has stuck with me through my adult years is to always take a moment to think and process my thoughts before speaking. He always told me to take as much time as I need in order to allow my true thoughts and feelings to surface. Along these same lines, to never respond out of emotion. These are principles that I live by, and I attempt to pass down this valuable advice to all of the student-athletes that I have the privilege of coaching.
What activity do you like to do away from campus that helps balance your life?
Away from work, my focus is first and foremost on my family, and specifically my two young children, Harper and Myles. They are very active in school and in sports as well, so they definitely keep my wife and me on our toes. A passion of mine has always been playing the guitar and writing music. During this tough time away from campus, I have been able to dive into this passion and it has been a necessary release of stress for me personally.
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
