BIDDEFORD — The University of New England women’s basketball team has solidified its position as a powerhouse in recent years, winning four-straight Commonwealth Coast Conference championships and qualifying for four-straight NCAA tournament berths.

Alanna Vose was one of UNE’s most impactful players during that span, playing in nearly every game during her four-year tenure. Vose is also one of UNE’s most decorated scorers, finishing her career with over 1,000 points.

Vose graduated in the spring, and was hired prior to the 2016-17 season as an assistant coach for the Nor’easters.

After being ousted early in the 2015-16 NCAA tournament, Vose has her sights on a deeper postseason run … this time from a different vantage point.

“It’s an amazing feeling to still be a part of this program. When we lost in the first round of the NCAAs last year, I wasn’t ready to be done with this team,” said Vose. “There is no better feeling than being part of a team with such great chemistry and that’s exactly what our program strives for. During my four years the chemistry was great and this year’s team hasn’t skipped a beat.”

Although Vose is no longer sinking 3’s, she has enjoyed her time mentoring the younger players while staying in touch with her former teammates. 

“It’s a different and stressful feeling being on the sidelines knowing I can’t be a part of the action but being able to talk to the ladies through certain situations on the bench has given me a rewarding feeling,” said Vose.

UNE coach Anthony Ewing is excited to have one of his former star players aboard. 

“Alanna has had tremendous impact on the program since her arrival — she has grown so much from the high school senior I met five years ago,” said Ewing. “She was an integral member of the most successful class in UNE history and continues to be part of that tradition today.”

Many young coaches experience a learning curve when first starting out, however Vose believes that her familiarity with the UNE program will help her remain comfortable while also being able to connect with its players.

“Being a former player, I know how things are run — I know the system and I know what coach wants from his players,” said Vose. “I think being part of the most successful class and now their coach, they understand they have large shoes to fill and are held to high expectations.”

Ewing believes that Vose’s knowledge, experience and work ethic will help pave the way for more success this year.

“Alanna has a great understanding of our program, how we do things, and what it takes to be successful here,” said Ewing. “Alanna had to work for everything she achieved during her four years here, and has been passing down that experience and work ethic to our young team.”

Vose sees a lot of potential in this year’s club, and believes that an NCAA run is  in its future despite the roster turnover.

“The freshmen remind me a lot of my class. They are extremely talented, they gel together and they are going to be the heart of the team for the next four years,” said Vose. “I believe once they feel what it’s like to get going on a winning streak, they will continue to bring the fire and refuse to look back from there. They are a really talented but different type of team this year and I am excited to see how successful we can be.”

— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

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