When Isaac LeBlanc ’12, M.B.A. ’12 was a student, he worked in the Alfond Athletic Center, coordinating intramurals, running the front desk, and officiating games. It was his first experience administering athletic programs and managing a facility. It was also where he met Jim Delorie M.B.A. ’14, the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement.

Jim was new to campus and leaned on Isaac and other Athletic Center’s staffers as he learned the ropes. Jim remarked that Isaac’s help was invaluable to him when he started his role and that he and Isaac built a lasting friendship while they worked together.

Isaac loved his job, but his ambitious nature spurred him to aim higher; in the fall of 2010, he applied for an internship at the Boys & Girls Club & YMCA of Greater Waterville at the Alfond Youth Center (known locally as the AYC).

Isaac landed the internship and never looked back. When the internship concluded, the AYC kept him on as a part-time employee. A month before graduating, Isaac earned a full-time position.

Nearly ten years later, Isaac is now the AYC’s Athletic Director and uses the skills he learned in and out of the classroom at Thomas to oversee youth and adult athletic programs, manage tournaments, direct camps, and develop relationships with the community he serves.

“Concepts from courses like Sport Facility Management and Event Management are present all the time in my career. Preparing for a league or tournament requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work, including scheduling, event setup, staffing, recruiting volunteers, and trainings.”

Isaac, who lives in Vassalboro with his wife Samantha, says that his competitive spirit allowed him to excel in Professor Greg King’s classes in the Sport Management program.

“Early on in Coach King’s courses, I realized that he is a professor who likes to challenge you in class. Some students shy away from that, but I’m so competitive that I enjoyed it. Coach King made me a better student; helped me develop a strong work ethic; and, has become a friend and mentor to me since graduation.”

When asked about his time at Thomas, Isaac had only good things to say about the years he spent here.

“My time at Thomas was amazing. There isn’t one moment or event that stands out, but rather a collection of them. I have many good memories, created lasting friendships, and learned highly valuable skills from both the Sport Management program and the MBA program. It helped me prepare for my career and develop my skills. I greatly appreciate all those who helped in my development, especially Professor King, Professor Cragen, and Jim Delorie.”

*This story was originally published in the Winter/Spring 2019 Thomas Magazine.