Alumni Coaches Talk About Their Time at Anna Maria
PAXTON, MA: The Anna Maria athletics department continues its homecoming week by hearing from alumni that have continued their time at the college as coaches. Michael Kennedy '15, Brooke Brigham '13, and Kevin Bigelow '04. Coach Kennedy was a four-year athlete on the AMCATS football team. Coach Brigham also a four-year athlete, played on the field hockey team, winning the team's first NECC Championship in 2012. Lastly, Coach Bigelow played for the men's basketball team and graduated in 2004. He has led the women's basketball team for nine years.
We got more insight into each coach's experiences here at Anna Maria, including some advice to those attending school currently.
Why did you choose Anna Maria?
B: Catholic Values, Small Class Sizes, Community Atmosphere
KB: I came to Anna Maria after spending a year at a bigger school. I needed the small class sizes and individualized attention that I found here.
MK: At the time, it was a start-up football program. I wanted an opportunity to be a part of something special, and in a great location best of both worlds, you can go into the city of Worcester or explore the great outdoors of Central Mass. It was also about 90 minutes from my hometown in Connecticut, so my family came to all my games, which was a big factor for me.
Did the college live up to your expectations?
BB: Yes, great experience
KB: It did. I graduated and made lifelong connections.
MK: I believe the college exceeded my expectations. The close friends I made here are like family. I also got to play in a lot of football games here, and that was very special for me.
Why did you choose your sport?
BB: Recruited by coach, played FH, and Basketball in High School.
KB: I missed playing basketball and competing.
MK: Coming from Naugatuck, Connecticut, football is huge in our community. I knew I wanted to be a college football player, and AMC gave me a perfect chance to do that. I also had an outstanding experience playing on the baseball team here as well.
How much did your sport at Anna Maria change you as a person?
BB: Gained Leadership Skills and Life-long friendships
KB: I learned some extremely valuable life lessons. One's that I try and pass on to our athletes now.
MK: I think the football team here helped mold me into the person today. I felt the coaching staff during my tenure did an excellent job of preparing not just on the field but life skills as well.
What was your favorite homecoming memory?
BB: Alumni Field Hockey Game 2019
KB: I was a commuter student, so homecoming allowed me to hang out with my fellow classmates and feel like I was really a part of the social aspect of campus.
MK: I'm not positive it was a homecoming, but in 2012, when we beat Husson in Triple, OT is my best memory.
How did Anna Maria Prepare you for your career?
BB: Encouraged internships, had faculty that had professional experience in their field
KB: I learned how to balance my drive for success while maintaining a passion for helping others.
MK: AMC prepared me for my career by giving me many life lessons, whether it was in the classroom or on the field, the people here really care about you as a person.
What advice do you have for current and new students?
BB: Don't be afraid of experiences that take you outside of your comfort zone. Find the time to study abroad, participate in an internship, and attend Networking events.
KB: 2 things: Open mind and don't ever give up.
MK: My advice is to formulate your own opinion, don't take someone's word on it. Go out and join clubs, do that internship, and if you are struggling with something, don't hesitate to ask for help. The school provides a great platform to help students in all ways. Explore central mass. I'm a big fisherman, so the rural setting close by school gave me a lot of good memories, but also, Worcester is a great city with a lot of things to do.
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