HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Stephen Lockett as their new Strength and Conditioning Coach in an announcement by Director of Athletics Dave Decew this week.

"Adding a full-time Strength & Conditioning Coordinator is a huge enhancement to our Athletics Department." Decew said in a statement. "Stephen's passion and science-based philosophy will prove to be a huge addition for our student-athletes and our coaches and athletic trainers.  We are excited to add Stephen to our NEC Athletics family as we endeavor towards a fully comprehensive student-athlete development program."

Lockett comes to NEC from Milligan University in Johnson City, Tennessee, where he directed Strength and Conditioning for the Buffaloes' men's and women's Soccer programs.  He has previous experience at the college level with a wide range of sports, including football at University of Tennessee and volleyball at King's College.

"I am honored to be joining New England College Athletics as the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator." Lockett said. "This opportunity brings a lot of excitement, as New England College sponsors a wide variety of athletic programs. I am eager to begin working with athletes, pursuing greater athletic development both in the weight room and on the field - as well as collaborating with sport coaches towards successful team progress. It is my aim to provide as good assistance as possible for NEC Athletics to have success in conference play and in NCAA Division III play, at large. Having lived in East Tennessee my whole life, I am excited to stay in an Appalachian region but also experience the New England area and culture. I am looking forward to this initial competition season and can't wait to see our athletes in action. Go Pilgrims!"

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