Sue Estabrook has been the head women's lacrosse coach at the University of New England for the past 12 seasons, which are part of her 19 years as a collegiate coach. The Bethpage, N.Y. native played lacrosse and earned a degree at Marist College.
What factor(s) made you most want to work at UNE? What do you enjoy most about UNE?
What made me most want to work here was the campus, and, after interviewing, I felt it was a place I could build a culture that was in line with my values. What I enjoy most is the people! I have loved the students everywhere I work and my players are my favorite people, but here it is everyone. It is so great to work in a place where people are genuinely happy to be there, truly want to be there for each other and the students. The support I have felt has been absolutely incredible and I am grateful I get to be part of this community.
What do you hope the UNE student-athletes learn from their interactions with you?
I hope my student-athletes know how much I care about them, their well-being, and their overall success. I hope they learn that pushing them out of their comfort zone is truly with the intent to help them grow and to recognize the amazing that I see in them every day. I hope they know that I will always be there for them off the field, and as much as I like to win, it is not the most important thing.
What memorable moment(s) at UNE do you recall most often?
There are so many! My office filled, literally filled, with balloons on my birthday in 2010 and all the other practical jokes from that class and Ali Murray (cough, cough, car!). That same year, losing to Roger Williams in the semifinal game in double overtime. I still see it all so clearly! Beating Curry in 2012, then getting engaged following the game and the screeches from team when I told them. Beating Roger later that season and having every alum from the past two years call or text. Cammy joining our team as an honorary member in 2015 – she brought a spark and taught us so much over her four years with us. Last year's semifinal game against Roger, and the Bridgewater game this year.
What is the best professional advice you have received; something that you try to apply to each and every day?
My college coach told me when I took my first head coaching job that the hardest and most important thing to do is remember your players aren't you. They aren't the athlete you were and they will need different things than you did. Each player is different and there is a difference between equal and fair, although often confused and many perceive fair as being equal. If you try to be equal, you will fail – be fair and it will work itself out.
Who has been a mentor(s) related to the profession?
My college coach, Maria Piechocki. I was in my 20's when I took my first head coaching job. It was tough being so young and she really helped steer me through that first season and many following. Matt Bassett, who was my Senior Assistant Athletics Director at Binghamton, and Rich Conover, the women's basketball coach there at the time. The two were instrumental in helping me really define my coaching style, to always put my values at the forefront and to act with integrity even when others may not be. To this day, they are the people I go to when I need advice.
Why did you get into the profession and what has kept you in it?
I was working corporate sales in Manhattan and doing well financially but very unhappy. I started coaching youth lacrosse and it was the only thing I enjoyed. I quit my job, was working as a waitress/bartender and coaching high school. I decided to backpack through Europe for three months, and while I was gone, I received a call to see if I had interest in coaching a college club team. I loved it, and was asked to interview for a head job shortly after. I went for it and found my passion. What keeps me in it is my players and my alumni. Forget lacrosse, when I hear back from a former student-athlete who tells me I helped them grow, get through something, be better, etc., I feel like what I'm doing is making a difference and that is true success for me.
What is your favorite physical location on UNE's Biddeford campus?
The turf, of course! There is no place I would rather be than on the turf with the team.
What activity(s) do you like to do away from campus that helps balance your life?
Spending time with my family and friends, especially my nephews and nieces, is my absolute favorite thing to do. My favorite activity is boating. I love being on the water and it instantly relaxes me. I also enjoy golfing, although I do struggle with how bad I am at it. Sweating it out on the Peloton or a good long walk always gets me back in check when I am having a rough day.
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
