Coach Speak: Derrin Hansen
11/12/2020
What an honor and a privilege to talk about the campus of the University of Nebraska Omaha and specifically Omaha Athletics. To be invested in this environment for the past 23 years is incredibly rewarding. One of the few constants in our world is change, and our campus has not faltered in this area. As the city of Omaha has become more progressive, vibrant, diverse, cosmopolitan, dynamic and forward thinking, we have done all of that and more. As our city grows, so does our university. As our university grows, so does our city.
Whether it’s our Fine Arts building, the Milo Bail Student Center, Community Engagement Center, H&K wellness center, Engineering, IS&T, Mammel Hall or the Scott Campus, I dare anyone to find a more premier metropolitan university that has erupted in students, majors, research, facilities, vision and values. Our university has seamlessly blended into this community, and we’re both better because of it.
Now, Baxter Arena. Very simply said, it is our crown jewel. The anchor of Aksarben Village and Scott Campus. It brings our students, alumni, city, state, region and even our nation together. Since its inception, Baxter has welcomed millions of people through the turnstiles and onto our campus, and our men's basketball program has enjoyed a 47-16 advantage at home.
From hosting Maverick Athletics to concerts and a sitting U.S. president, our arena creates a sense of pride that only we can understand. We being Mavericks, that is. We are independent thinkers, challengers of the status quo, but people who work with a strong sense of integrity. We gather, unite, cheer, and celebrate who we are at Baxter.
As UNO has changed for the good, one area never has: the people. This is a special place to come to work because of it. When a group stands together for the betterment of student-athletes, it makes you feel blessed to play such a small part in players’ lives. Their families have entrusted us with their children, and it is our responsibility to guide them through a very important period. For many, this is the first time away from family guidance. Everyone at Omaha Athletics -- coaches, administrators and support staff -- is laser focused on the process for student-athlete development. Passion, teamwork, excellence, integrity, and community are terms we don’t take lightly. Though staff may come and go, and athletes graduate to greater heights, our role never changes. And for that, whether you’re staff or a student-athlete, this place is special.
Finally, nothing makes me more proud than talking about our campus and Omaha Athletics. Engaging with alumni, boosters, faculty/staff and students is one of the best parts of my position. Because it’s been 23 years, I’ve always said, “This isn’t the school that I went to, but it’s my school.”
Sometimes, when you love and appreciate something so much, it leaves you speechless. I feel that way. I know that’s hard to believe. I think UNO Professor Emeritus Robert T. Reilly said it best: “A university is, above all, an experience. It exists in the hearts and minds of those who draw from its wisdom and add to its reputation. A university is a place, yes, but a place of the spirit.”
I love our spirit at Omaha.
