Carly Gettler has been the head women's soccer coach at the University of New England for three seasons, which covers the program's second and third conference championships in the last two years. The Richmond, Va. native played soccer while earning a degree from the University of Richmond, and later graduated from Smith College, as well. She was a collegiate head coach for three seasons before UNE.
What factor(s) made you most want to work at UNE?
When I was coaching at Husson, I remember traveling to play at UNE several times and being blown away by the campus' location and athletic facilities. I love southern Maine with its proximity to the beaches, Portland, and Boston, as well as all the outdoor activities, so applying to the UNE position when it was open was a no-brainer. The fact that we have such motivated, engaged students sealed the deal for me, and they make coming to work every day totally worth it.
Why did you get into the profession and what has kept you in it?
I graduated college with degrees in Leadership Studies and Studio Art and pursued a career as a graphic designer. For the first few years after college, I was playing a lot of soccer on the side, and after a few injuries sidelined me at different points, I decided to get a coaching license and start coaching. As I grew increasingly unsatisfied with my graphic design career, I found myself really invested in coaching my club team. I decided to return to graduate school to pursue coaching as a full-time career, and the rest is history. I love the group dynamics, human interactions, and chances to make an impact that coaching provides, and I keep coming back because every day presents new challenges to tackle and work through and victories to celebrate.
What do you hope the UNE student-athletes learn from their interactions with you?
Some of my core values center around positivity and resilience – I believe that even the hardest situations have a silver lining and something to teach us, and I always try to focus on those pieces and come up with a plan/way through when faced with a challenge. I try to model this behavior for my student-athletes and teach them these skills, as well. Another big lesson I hope my team learns from working with me and our program is around investment – the more time, energy, and engagement you put in to something, the more you're going to get out of it.
What memorable moment(s) at UNE do you recall most often?
Our 2018 CCC Championship run will always stick with me. We went into the tournament as the third seed and our team's goal was to break our 'quarterfinal curse' and advance past the first round. Not only did we win our quarterfinal, but we traveled to second-seeded Gordon, who we had lost to in the regular season, and beat them with 2.7 seconds left on the clock. And then we unexpectedly got to host the final game, and won the championship in front of an awesome UNE crowd. We had a huge roster that season, and it was amazing to see our team come together when it mattered and make UNE history!
What is your favorite physical location on UNE's Biddeford campus?
I love the view of Biddeford Pool that you get when you walk through the gates at Hazard Field – it makes me stop and give thanks every time I see it. We also get some amazing sunsets during our evening sessions and have definitely stopped practice for a photo op more than once.
Who has been a mentor(s) related to the profession?
My dad was a college coach for over 40 years and he's still heavily involved in the game, and he has by far influenced my coaching more than anyone else. The perspective and passion he brings to every conversation about soccer is unreal – he truly models what it means to be a lifelong student of the game, and it's been inspiring to see the impact he's made through the game and the connections and friendships he's created through soccer.
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
