Coaches and Staff

Ms. Sarah Mikels

Cheerleading/Dance Team

The Cheerleading and Dance Teams are at the heart of the University’s Spirit Programs and are and active and engaging way for students to show their pride and support the University. Both squads can be seen at Athletic events as well as numerous other events on and off campus throughout the year.

Ms. Mikels brings twenty years of dance experience and outside professional experience to the artistic and managerial challenges of the job. She has held numerous coaching and teaching positions at the youth, high school, collegiate, and professional level, and has a proven track-record of directing and motivating young people to achieve both their creative and personal goals. Ms. Mikels is a graduate of the University of Tennessee (’06, BS Journalism and Electronic Media) where she was a member of the reigning National Champion UT Dance Team. At Tennessee, Ms Mikels was awarded an athletic scholarship and performed in nationally televised games and competitions. Since 1998, Ms. Mikels has trained, taught, and coached dance and Cheerleading Teams at the high school and collegiate level.

Mr. Ray HeBert

Mascot Advisor

As Mascot Advisor, Mr. HeBert is responsible for the selection and training of University Mascots. He works with the mascots, whose identities remain a secret, throughout the year and helps coordinate their appearances at UConn events.

Mr. HeBert earned his B.A. in Political Science (2005) and M.S. in Human Resource Leadership and Development (2006) from Louisiana State University, and is currently a Residential Hall Director on campus. He is an experienced mascot himself, having served as the LSU Tiger (“Mike”) for four years as an undergraduate student (two years as captain of the mascots) and currently fills the shoes of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun mascot, Blaze.

Dr. David Mills

Band Director

Under the direction of the Band Director, the University of Connecticut Marching Band leads and represents the University at numerous athletic events, parades, convocation, commencement, and other University events throughout the year.

Dr. Mills, Professor of Music and Director of Bands joined the University of Connecticut Music Faculty in 1990 as the assistant director of bands. He directs the Marching Band, Pep Bands, Symphonic Band and the Concert Band and teaches courses in music education. Dr. Mills received a bachelor of science in music and a master of music education degree from Western Carolina University, and earned a doctor of philosophy degree in music education from the University of Miami.

Marvin McNeill

Assistant Band Director

Marvin McNeill serves as assistant director of athletic bands at the University of Connecticut and earned his bachelor of arts degree in music education from Virginia Polytechnic and State University and his master of music degree in trombone performance from the University of Connecticut.

In addition to being the Assistant Director of the University of Connecticut Marching Band and Varsity Pep Bands, Marvin also conducts the University Concert Band, teaches brass techniques, and organizes and instructs the marching percussion program.

Alpha Phi Omega

Jonathan Handlers

Jonathan, the University’s official Mascot, can be seen at numerous athletic and University-wide events and occasionally makes an appearance on campus on a nice Autumn afternoon. This beautiful, white 100% pure-bred Siberian Husky is recognizable to anyone with a hint of Husky pride. Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is a national, co-ed, service fraternity. For over seventy-five years, APO has set the standard for college campus-based volunteerism. Alpha Phi Omega strives to help each member develop leadership skills, secure lasting friendships and provide service. APO has served as the care-takers of Jonathan since the 1970’s and proudly demonstrates their pride and spirit in the University in this role.