Sept. 13, 2011

Devan McConnell was named UMass Lowell's Director of Sports Performance on Tuesday, announced Director of Athletics Dana Skinner.

The newly-created position is tasked with integrating a cutting edge sports performance program into the University's athletic department. McConnell will work primarily with the Division I hockey team, but will also oversee performance training for the 16 Division II programs.

"We're pleased to have Devan join the staff at UMass Lowell," said Skinner. "His knowledge in the field, combined with his experience at Stanford, will be of great benefit to our student-athletes as he develops a first-rate center for sports performance."

Prior to joining UMass Lowell, McConnell served as the Sports Performance Coordinator at Stanford University from 2008-11. He worked closely with the women's basketball and men's and women's volleyball--all NCAA Tournament regulars. During his tenure, the men's volleyball program won the 2010 NCAA Championship.

While at Stanford, McConnell also served as the Performance Education Coordinator, instructing the Cardinals' personnel, building a staff library and scheduling guest speakers.

"UMass Lowell provides a great opportunity for me to work with a Division I hockey program and thriving Division II teams while building a top-tier sports performance program from the ground up," said McConnell of his new position. "The facilities here are great, the tradition of success is strong and there is a lot of room for growth because of the commitment from both the administrative staff and the student-athletes."

Before his appointment to Stanford, McConnell worked at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, one of the leading sports performance facilities in the Northeast.

McConnell is a certified Performance Enhancement Specialist and Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He is also a Functional Movement Screen Specialist.

McConnell received his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Fitchburg State in 2008. While attending Fitchburg State, he was a standout hockey player, twice recognized as the team's Most Valuable Player.

A native of Seattle, WA, McConnell attended Lake Stevens High School. He currently resides in Somerville, MA with his wife Erica.