Patty Williams has been at the University of New England for 11 years, with the last four as Assistant Director of Athletics for Club & Intramural Sports. The Saco, Maine native has degrees from the University of New Hampshire and the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.
What factor(s) made you most want to work at UNE? What do you enjoy most about UNE?
I grew up across the river from campus in Saco and was fortunate for the opportunity to come 'home' after spending three years in Ohio and the two before that in North Carolina. When I started looking at job opportunities closer to home, I was thrilled to discover that the UNE Coordinator of Intramural Sports position was open. I enjoy being so close to my family and even moving back into my childhood home a year ago.
Why did you get into the profession and what has kept you in it?
I was active in the intramural sports program starting my first semester as an undergrad at the University of New Hampshire. From there, I started working as an official and scorekeeper and also joined the women's rugby club. I took an intro course in the Recreation Management & Policy the following year and promptly changed my major from undeclared to RMP at the end of my sophomore year. I continued to advance in my student employment positions in Campus Rec and eventually became an Intramural Supervisor and also did a 40/hr week internship the summer after I graduated. I truly enjoyed my experience as a club and intramural athlete at UNH and have been passionate about this work ever since!
What is your favorite physical location in the area local to UNE's Biddeford campus?
Bayview and Ferry Beach in Saco. I live about a mile from there and enjoy running or walking there year round.
Who has been a mentor(s) related to the profession?
Leslie Dulle, Director of Recreational Sports at Xavier University. Xavier was my first professional position and I learned so much from Leslie during my three years there. Most of all, I adore her energy and enthusiasm for with working with students and strive to be the type of role model she is.
What do you hope the UNE student-athletes learn from their interactions with you?
I hope that UNE students are able to come to me with anything that they need, whether it's related to recreation or not.
What activity(s) do you like to do away from campus that helps balance your life?
I enjoy being active outdoors, in particular, running, biking, hiking, and camping. I'm fortunate that my husband and two children enjoy being active as well and we do lots of family outings throughout the year.
Favorite quote...
"The vision of a champion is someone who is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion when no one else is watching."
– Anson Dorrance, University of North Carolina women's soccer coach
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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
