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Sport management majors Natalie Hardman ’14 and Heather McIlroy ’14, both Sport Management majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, were recently recognized as “Outstanding Future Professionals” (OFP) by the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD).  Hardman and McIlroy were also honored by the Eastern District Association of the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (March 1, 2014).
 

The Recognition took place at MAHPERD’s annual conference in Rockport, Maine, on Monday, November 5, 2013.  Each year the Colleges and Universities of Maine, with academic programs in Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance, and Sport-Related professional fields, are encouraged to nominate two OFPs from their institution.  91ֱ����Ƶhas participated in this program since 2006, identifying outstanding future professionals from both Sport Management and Applied Exercise Science and, more recently, sport management majors.
 
Hardman, from Kalona, Iowa, arrived at 91ֱ����Ƶin the spring of 2011.  She has earned Dean’s List Honors status each semester (six) at 91ֱ����Ƶand is on-track to complete her degree program in seven semesters.  In addition to her major in sport management, Hardman will earn a minor in business administration.  Committed to her career preparation, she has completed a 12-credit internship (minimum 480 hours) with the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Kernels.

Hardman has participated three seasons as a member of the women’s varsity cross-country team, earning recognition as a member of UNE’s 2012 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championship team (2012).  She was further recognized by the team with the Coach’s Award for Dedication (2011) and as the Most Valuable Runner (2012).  In her final year, Hardman helped 91ֱ����Ƶto CCC Championship status again (2013); earn a 6th place showing (out of 47 teams) at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships; and, earn a top twenty finish in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III New England Regional Championship.

Hardman serves as the Secretary of the Business Students’ Association (January 2012-Present); as a member of the new Sport Management Club; and she has worked part-time as a painter for the 91ֱ����ƵFacilities Department.

McIlroy, from Watertown, Massachusetts, has achieved Dean’s List Honors status every semester (seven) at UNE.  In addition to her major in sport management, she is earning minors in business administration, mathematics, and secondary education.  She has also completed a 12-credit (minimum 480 hours) internship with the Portland (Maine) Sea Dogs.

McIlroy is active as a 91ֱ����ƵLeader Scholar, and she serves as a member of UNE’s residential and housing staff (residential advisor/area coordinator in Featherman Hall).  Further, she’s been involved with Edge (a Christian-based club); as the Treasurer of both the Education Club and of Alpha Phi Omega; a member of the Activities Program Board (APB); the SCUBA Club; the Math Club; and, the Sport Management Club.  Finally, McIlroy has worked in the Multicultural Lounge, and as a tutor with the Student Academic Success Center.

Following the MAHPERD Conference in November, both Hardman and McIlroy were both chosen as the OFPs to represent MAHPERD at the Eastern District Conference (EDA) of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).  While attending the EDA Conference in Newport, Rhode Island (February 26-March 1), they had an opportunity to attend OFP sessions from 13 other states.  All of the OFPs from the Northeast were each recognized at a special event on Saturday, March 1, 2014.

Hardman and McIlroy will also be recognized by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) at the AAHPERD National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, at a special event to be held on April 3rd.