Lyndie Kelley '11 (RSCC, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT, FMS-C, USA-W L1) has been back at her alma mater since 2014 as the University of New England Coordinator of Strength & Conditioning. During her first three years, the Buxton, Maine native was also an assistant coach for the women's basketball team -- a program she was part of as a student-athlete.
What do you hope the UNE student-athletes learn from their interactions with you?
My hope is that all of our student-athletes learn how to leave it better. I hope they fall in love with the process of getting a tiny bit better every single day, and that they develop a deep appreciation for the journey, not just the destination. 'Good things come to those who hustle' – we make our own luck by making the most of the chances in front of us!
What factor(s) made you most want to work at UNE? What do you enjoy most about UNE?
UNE is home! Having been a Nor'easter student-athlete from 2007-2011, UNE has, and always will be, part of my heart. I had the opportunity to play for Coach Ewing and be a part of the Women's Basketball program. It was special time to be a Nor'easter and I am so fortunate that I got to be at UNE when so many things were growing and changing. I graduated with the hope that I would get to return in the future as a member of the Athletics Department and build a Strength & Conditioning program. It has truly been a dream come true to do just that!
What is your favorite physical location on UNE's Biddeford campus?
I'm biased, but my favorite place on the Biddeford Campus is the Nor'easter Strength & Conditioning Facility! Our room is unbelievable and I legitimately smile every time I open the door! I also have a soft spot in my heart for the Coach Beaudry's Court in the Campus Center – when you climb the ladder with your teammates, cut down the nets, and swirl them overhead after winning championships, it automatically becomes a treasured place!
Who has been a mentor(s) related to the profession?
Our own Heath Pierce, UNE's Director of the Applied Exercise Science program, is my biggest mentor in the profession! He was my professor during my time as a Nor'easter and he has continued to be one of my biggest supporters. It has been special to shift from being his student, to his mentee, to his colleague. The same is true for Coach Ewing. He has been a tremendous coaching mentor for me. I was fortunate to spend four years as one of his assistant coaches prior to fully assuming my role as Coordinator of Strength & Conditioning. My time coaching with him gave me important insights into the mind of collegiate head coach, their needs for their teams, the grind of a season, etc. It gave me a more well-rounded perspective from which to work.
What memorable moment(s) at UNE do you recall most often?
There is nothing more exciting than watching our Nor'easters celebrate winning Commonwealth Coast Conference championships! Watching all of their hard work pay off and culminate in earning a spot in the NCAA tournament is like nothing else. As a Strength Coach, there is nothing more rewarding than watching your student-athletes celebrating after a hard-fought victory!
Why did you get into the profession and what has kept you in it?
I chose to become a collegiate strength and conditioning coach because I have a deep-rooted appreciation for the athletic preparation of the human mind and body. I enjoy the challenge of coaching teams of diverse individuals. There is nothing like the dynamic of the weight room with 50+ student-athletes working to reach their potential. I love watching them conquer hard things. The growth that happens in the weight room is unique to college athletics. Success has nothing to do with sport-specific talent; it has everything to do with heart, hustle, tenacity, and resilience. I cannot see myself doing anything else… my profession is rewarding, exciting, challenging, and people-forward. The student-athletes inspire me every day to reach my own potential as a coach… I love that my field is fluid and ever-evolving. You have to be a life-long learner in this profession! Beyond that, watching our student-athletes translate their abilities in the weight room to the court, field, ice, pool and course is so rewarding and special.
What is the best professional advice you have received; something that you try to apply to each and every day?
The best professional advice I have ever received is to always find a way to be part of the solution, never part of the problem. If you find ways to bring added value to the table, you will always be a valued part of the team. It is all about your mindset – you can choose to have a growth mindset and approach potential challenges with an agile mind or a rigid one. That choice defines your day to day interactions with all those you impact.
What activity(s) do you like to do away from campus that helps balance your life?
I love spending my personal time with my two sons, Jayce and Chance, as well as my husband, Chris. We love a good Maine adventure and try to escape Down East and to the Western Mountains whenever we get the opportunity. We love to hike, camp, and spend time uncovering hidden gems in state. I also love to grab a coffee and go for a ride on back roads, as well as read a good book!
What do all of the letters after my name mean?
I'm often asked about my post-nominals, aka 'alphabet soup,' after my name! They are all of the credentials I have earned, carry, and upkeep to stay up-to-date in my profession to best serve our student-athletes. They all require a certain amount of continuing education units or effort to maintain, ensuring I am on the cutting edge of my profession.
RSCC – Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach… only collegiate strength coaches who have been coaching at the collegiate level for 2 or more years and have been nominated by another RSCC coach may earn the designation.
CSCS*D – Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist… considered the gold standard certification for strength and conditioning professionals via the National Strength & Conditioning Association, it is focused on team/athlete centric coaching. The "*D" means that I am certified with Distinction and do more continuing education than is necessary to upkeep my certification.
NSCA-CPT – Certified Personal Trainer… this certification via the NSCA is focused on individual or small group training. I carry it because I still work with individuals on my own time and as a Lab Instructor for the Dept. of Exercise & Sport Performance and I help our students prepare for the certification exam.
FMS-C – Functional Movement Screen Certified… I am certified in both Levels 1 and 2 of the FMS, which is a 7 screen test that helps assess and correct, if necessary, an athlete's movement patterns.
USA-W L1 – USA Weightlifting Level 1 Certified… this companion certification is focused on proper instruction and progression of the Olympic lifts; clean, jerk and snatch.
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
