A Champion Mindset

Wefirst met Chris Palmer in 1986 when he came on boardas head coach forthe University’s football program,leading the Chargers to an impressive 16-4 record over a two-season span.Now, more than 30 years later —during which time Palmer garnered extensive coaching and administrative experience atboth the National Football League and collegiate level— he hasreturned to Charger Nationas thenewly appointed director of athletics.

Photo by Don Hamerman

RileyKnebes’18, aformer student-athlete, recently sat down with Palmerto talk more about what makes him tick and his vision for athletics at the University of New Haven.

Why the University of New Haven? I wanted to give back. As a coach, you might impact 100 players. But when you’re an athletic director, hopefully you have an impact on three times that. What qualities do you have that will help make you successful? Patience is not one of my virtues, which in this case is a strength. I get things done. It’s the coach in me. For 44 years of coaching I’ve had 25 seconds to get a play in, get a call, and make sure it’s executed right.

What do you think it means to be a student-athlete at the University? I see a tremendous value in athletics. Companies are looking to hire student-athletes because of their drive, hustle, and teamwork. I want them to be disciplined and trustworthy, and to grow as men and women during their time here.

What are some lessons you have learned across your career? Do the best possible job wherever you are, assume that you’ll be there forever, and work as hard as you can to be successful. Who is Chris Palmer outside of athletics? A family man. My wife and I have two grown children and three grandchildren. I try to spend as much time with them as I can. We enjoy Cape Cod very much as a family.

Do you have any words to live by? I’m going to be looking ahead, not behind or down. And I don’t want to forget where I came from.

ABOUT RILEY KNEBES

Riley Knebes graduated from the University of New Haven in spring 2018 with a bachelor's degree in communications and English. She holds four school records on the women’s track and field team, two conference and New England championships, and was named an NCAA DII All-American. During her time at the University, she served as a representative on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Riley is now attending Tufts University School of Medicine to pursue a master’s degree in public health.