Western New England University

One of the most influential individuals in the history of Western New England University Athletics, Mike Theulen, served as the director of athletics from 1998-2017 while also heading the WNE men's basketball team from 2004-2008, and again from 2011-2015. Theulen's career can be highlighted in many different ways, including the transition from the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) into the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) in 2007-2008. 

Under the direction of Theulen as the leader of the department, Western New England and the Golden Bears appeared in 51 Division III Tournaments while capturing 63 conference championships. 15 of 19 varsity sports programs had teams and/or individuals participate on the national stage under the direction of Theulen. During Theulen's tenure, 42 student-athletes achieved All-American status while at Western New England, while 18 others were recognized as Academic All-Americans. 

Countless other student-athletes gained accolades for their accomplishments inside and outside of the classroom. Theulen served on many committees with his student-athletes while being a tremendous advocate for special events, such as the Downes Hall of Fame, Girls and Women in Sports Day, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and Captains Council, among many other initiatives.

A leader on and off the court, Theulen served as the head coach of the Western New England men's basketball team for eight seasons, compiling over 100 wins. Theulen is responsible for putting WNE men's basketball back on the map and can be credited with helping the team succeed for many years after his coaching retirement. In his second-to-last season at the helm, Theulen's Golden Bears left the GNAC in style, finishing the season with 22 wins, tied for the second-most single season wins in the program's 57-year history. Theulen finished with 103 wins in his career while making the conference tournament in all eight seasons. Theulen led the Golden Bears to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Championship in 2006-2007, the program's first ever postseason crown. Theulen built "The Western New England Way" and was committed to the department and its student-athletes to provide comprehensive excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.