Former Student-Athlete, Coach and Accomplished Administrator Named UML Athletic Director

07/11/2024

Media Contacts: Emily Gowdey-Backus, director of media relations; Nancy Cicco, assistant director of media relations

Lynn Coutts has worn many jerseys – award-winning student-athlete, inspiring coach and successful higher education administrator – in more than two decades excelling in athletics leadership. Today, she dons one more. UMass Lowell named Coutts the next athletic director at an event on campus Thursday morning.

A graduate of UMaine Orono, where she excelled as a softball pitcher, Coutts has more than two decades of experience as a collegiate coach and administrator. She comes to UMass Lowell after serving as associate vice chancellor and deputy director of athletics and the Senior Woman Administrator at the Division I University of Denver. At Denver she was the sport administrator for the Pioneer’s women’s volleyball team, women’s basketball team, women’s lacrosse team that went to the 2023 Final Four and the men’s hockey team that won national championship in 2024 and 2022.

A first-generation college graduate, Coutts feels “uniquely equipped to align with the mission and values of UMass Lowell.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to lead a positive, high-energy environment inspiring student athletes, coaches and staff to achieve world class excellence in the classroom, in competition and within the campus community,” she said.

Her tenure will begin in August prior to the start of the fall athletic season.

“I am thrilled Lynn is joining UMass Lowell as athletic director,” said Chancellor Julie Chen. “She demonstrates a passion grounded in personal experience, professional success and determination. Her desire to grow this position, working not only with coaches and student-athletes but across the UMass Lowell community, is one of many reasons I know she will succeed leading the River Hawk team.”

In addition to her coaching expertise, Coutts developed entrepreneurial expertise running her own sports training business with her husband Mike for nearly 14 years, fostering long-lasting connections within the community.

Coutts will join UMass Lowell’s executive cabinet, with the athletic director position elevated to play a larger role executing university-wide priorities and engaging broad constituencies throughout the regional community. 

“During my tenure as UMass Lowell’s chancellor, I was proud to elevate UMass Lowell’s athletics program to Division I,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “I know Lynn will continue to accelerate the growth and momentum of the River Hawks program to support the success of the university’s outstanding student athletes, coaches and staff.”

UMass Lowell was accepted as a member of the NCAA's Division I and the America East Conference in 2013 and completed the transition in 2017.

Provost Joseph Hartman and Vice Chancellor of Brand, Communication and Creative Strategy bec rollins chaired the search committee.

“In a cohort of excellent candidates, Lynn stood out from the crowd,” Hartman said. “She comes to UMass Lowell with an impressive record of achievements, most recently in supporting successful teams at the University of Denver while building and maintaining relationships with important partners and supporters of the Pioneers program.”

Herself a former student-athlete, rollins connected with Coutts over shared athletics passion and a resolve to further UMass Lowell’s mission. 

“Lynn reflects the stories of many UMass Lowell students,” said rollins. “As a first-generation college graduate and a woman in sports, she represents a level of success many in our community, not just our student athletes, can benefit from. Her proven experience as a university leader, and a competitive coach and team member, will be a great asset to the River Hawks team.”

Coutts began her coaching career leading the first UMaine softball team to advance to an NCAA Regional and was soon named the 2015 America East Coach of the Year. She split her time mentoring student-athletes on and off the field as well cultivating relationships with fellow coaches and support staff. She contributed to the growth of the department and helped oversee the budget, supplementing it through successful fundraising initiatives.

National Athletics Community Reaction

"Lynn has been a Hall of Fame student-athlete, coach and administrator. These experiences have all helped make her successful in her career, and she’ll undoubtedly have an impact on the student athletes, coaches and staff at UML. I’m excited for her and I’m looking forward to working with her again."   

— Steve Metcalf, Hockey East Commissioner

"UMass Lowell has made an excellent choice with Lynn Coutts as the next Director of Athletics. Lynn’s proven commitment to student-athlete success through her past experiences, including most recently at Denver and within the Summit League, will translate into great things for the next generation of River Hawk student-athletes."  

— Josh Fenton, Commissioner of The Summit League 

"I am so excited that UMass Lowell has selected Lynn Coutts as their next Director of Athletics.  Lynn's impressive achievements as a student-athlete, coach and administrator have fully prepared her for this role. In addition to her athletic and professional excellence, Lynn is one of the best connectors and relationship-builders that I have ever met. I can't wait to see the great things that she will accomplish with the River Hawks!

— Karlton Creech, Director of Chapter Relationships - First Tee 

"The River Hawks have made an exceptional hire to take the helm of the UMass Lowell Athletic Department. Lynn is a savvy administrator with a complimentary background in coaching and deep roots in the Northeast. All of this has prepared her to be an immediate impact leader."

— Josh Berlo, University of Denver Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations 

“Lynn Coutts is an excellent choice to lead UMass Lowell athletics. Her exceptional achievements as an All-American student-athlete, coach and athletic administrator provide her with incredibly valuable experience in all facets of the role. Most importantly, she is an incredibly thoughtful, uplifting and inspiring person who will always put the true priority of athletics first – the student-athletes. I look forward to cheering on the River Hawks during what promises to be a tremendous future.” 

— Mike Palisi, President, Van Wagner College

"Lynn will be a phenomenal leader at UMass Lowell. One of her strongest qualities is seeing and bringing out the best in those around her. She leads with humility, authenticity, and courage. These are traits one admires in a leader. I am thankful I had the opportunity to soak up the knowledge she provided me as a first time head coach. I look forward to following all of the amazing things she will do with the Athletics department as well as the university and the Lowell community. This is a home run hire!"

— Doshia Woods, University of Denver Head Women's Basketball Coach

"UMass Lowell made a brilliant hire. Lynn Coutts is one of the best educators, coaches, and administrators in the business. She possesses a standard of excellence both academically and athletically. She understands the value of people and has a gift of creating connections and making those around her better. Her competitive spirit, inspiring wisdom, and incredible vision will make the UMass Lowell Athletics Department as well as the university reach new heights. She has been one of the most influential people in my playing and coaching career and it gives me great pride knowing as an Athletic Director her reach will be even more significant." 

— Ashley Waters, Head Softball Coach, Boston University