Brian Kabel Named Director of Recreational Sports at Western New England

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (July 6, 2016) – Western New England University has announced the hiring of Brian Kabel as the new Director of Recreational Sports.

Kabel will join the Western New England University staff in this newly created position in mid-July after serving as the Program Manager of Intramurals and Facilities at the University of Washington Bothell. In that role, he oversaw the daily operation of the intramural sports program, which included hiring, training and evaluating a staff of ten employees, scheduling and promoting all intramural sport leagues, tournaments, and special events, managing the intramural budget, and assisting with the opening of the university's new Activities and Recreation Center.

"We are very excited to welcome Brian to Western New England University as its first ever full-time Director of Recreational Sports," Athletic Director Michael Theulen said. "His background, talent, and energy are all very impressive. Our entire campus community will benefit from Brian's organizational abilities and programming skills as we look to expand recreational, intramural, and wellness opportunities for all. Look for great things to happen in this area this upcoming year and beyond."

At Western New England, Kabel will be charged with the creation and oversight of a comprehensive recreational sports program servicing the entire campus community. He will work closely with key campus constituencies including Student Senate, Office of Student Affairs, Campus Wellness Committee, University Senate Committee on Athletics and Recreation, and graduate student representatives of the School of Law and the College of Pharmacy to identify recreational sport and wellness needs of students, faculty and staff. Kabel will be responsible for the operational, financial and personnel functions of the recreational sports program, which includes intramurals, competitive club sports, wellness/fitness, and aquatics.

"I'm very excited to get started," Kabel said. "My goal is to build on what is already in place to further develop a campus recreational program that enhances the Western New England experience for all community members. Recreation is an important complement to the educational experience.  It not only facilitates personal health and wellness, but provides many other important benefits including creating social connections, building friendships, and developing leadership skills. Involvement in recreational sport activities also connects a campus community and offers ample learning experiences outside the classroom."

Prior to his stint in Washington, Kabel served as the first Intramural and Club Sports Intern at the University of Massachusetts Lowell for 11 months, assisting the coordinator in the daily operation of both programs.

Kabel earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut in 2012 and received a master's degree from Quinnipiac University in 2014, gaining experience in the recreational sports field at both institutions.