Bob Reasso Named Husson Athletic Director
Husson University president Robert Clark announced today that
Bob Reasso has been named the new Director of Athletics, effective
July 1. Reasso, who is currently the Senior Associate
Director for Athletics, replaces Cindy Connelley who has stepped
down from her dual roles to return to full-time teaching in the
School of Education.
In making the appointment President Clark noted that, “Bob
has a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm for Division III
athletics. His extensive experience and professionalism are the
hallmarks of a strong mentor to students. I know he will continue
to work hard to support our student athletes in the seasons
ahead.”
Reasso joined Husson on May 1. Prior to that, he served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Rutgers University, achieving 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, three Final Four Tournaments, six conference titles, with a 351-183-71 record. He was ranked 8th among active Division I soccer coaches in total wins and in 1990 was named National Coach of the Year. Reasso coached 19 All-Americans and had over 50 players go on to play professionally in Europe and in the United States. Early in his career, Reasso was also the Executive Director of the Touchdown Club, Assistant Director of the Scarlet R Club, and Assistant Director of Marketing and Promotions. Also, he coached the New Jersey Special Olympics Soccer Team in two world games.
“I want to thank President Clark for this wonderful opportunity. I have been very fortunate to be here for a couple of months and I think this is a great time for Husson University,” said Reasso. “I have found this to be a wonderful, enlightened, and vibrant community both academically as well as athletically. We have outstanding student-athletes, a dynamic coaching staff, and my job will be to give them the tools to continue to build on the foundation of their successes. We are determined as a group to take this athletic department to the next level, establishing a standard both academically and athletically to which Husson, our alumni and the greater Bangor community can continue to be proud.”
During her time as A.D., Connelley successfully oversaw significant changes and growth in the athletic department. Among her many accomplishments were the launch of the new athletic website, Husson football became a member of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference, Women’s Cross Country was added and 5 new head coaches were hired. This past year, Husson teams had their most successful year with all teams finishing above .500 with six teams earning NCAA tournament bids. She served as Secretary of the North Atlantic Conference, Chairperson of Field Hockey and as a member of the Campus Master Plan Committee.
“It’s wonderful for me to be returning to faculty full time, as this will allow me to complete my doctoral research,” said Connelley. “I have stayed beyond the original agreement but know that athletics is in strong hands with Bob Reasso. From the first conversation, Bob was the right fit for this program and university. I am passionate about athletics, academics and success, and will continue to be a strong advocate for empowering student-athletes.”
President Clark thanked Connelly for her service, “Husson has been fortunate to have Cindy’s leadership of its athletics programs. She has accomplished a great deal during her tenure that allows us to move forward with the same focus on student athlete success. Husson students will continue to benefit from her experience as she resumes full-time teaching in the School of Education.”
Reasso’s first collegiate assignment was at Nasson College in Springvale, Maine, coaching both baseball and soccer while serving as Assistant Director of Athletics after finishing his graduate program. He later served as Coach of the New Jersey Special Olympic Team in the World Games, General Manager of A-League professional team, and was Publicity Director of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Reasso has been inducted into three Hall of Fames including the Soccer Coaches Association of New Jersey, Pfeiffer University, and Raritan High School.
He holds a Masters of Education from Springfield College and an undergraduate degree from Pfeiffer University in North Carolina. Reasso and his wife, Michelle live in Bangor with their daughter Danielle and son Bobby.
