Charlie Mason

Charlie Mason enters his eighth season as head coach of the Pilgrims in 2009-10. In his tenure at NEC, Mason has established a program whose foundation is centered on the overall growth of the student-athlete.

This whole approach philosophy has allowed New England College to attract quality student-athletes. In each of the past two years, the men’s basketball program has graduated the New England College Parmenter Award winner, which recognizes the New England College graduating male senior for outstanding athletic ability and sportsmanship.  Patrick Quinn, class of 2007, is currently playing professional basketball with the Elmira (N.Y.) Bulldogs of the ABA. Ryan Jaziri, class of 2008, graduated as the all-time leading scorer in NEC history and was a two- time The Commonwealth Coast Conference All-Conference player, while leading the league in scoring as a junior and senior.  Ryan is currently enrolled in law school. Quinn and Jaziri both were both inducted in Chi Alpha; a national honor society for student athletes who have maintained a grade point average above a 3.4.  Tim LaTorra, class of 2005, and a three-year captain of the men’s basketball program as well; graduated with a degree in Physical Education a is now teaching and coaching varsity basketball in Sunapee, N.H.

Moving forward, a premium has been placed on identifying prospective student-athletes whose passion for basketball is equaled by their commitment to excelling in all aspects of their collegiate experience.

Intent on providing student-athletes a well rounded collegiate experience, Coach Mason emphasizes a strong commitment to both the personal growth and academic achievement of the program's student athletes. Under Mason's direction, the NEC Men's Basketball team has participated annually in such community projects as Readers as Role Models, Special Olympics and Junior Gym Grims. The program also prides itself with the structure, support and expectations it provides for its student athletes academically.  In his fourteenth year as a head coach, Mason’s teams have been below a 2.7 team GPA in only two semesters of his coaching career.

Prior to New England College, Mason served as the Head Men's Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Johnson State. Mason's efforts were recognized by his peers in 2000 when he was named Mayflower Coach of the Year.

Charlie Mason earned his M.A. in education at Rockford College in 1994. He earned his B.A. in History from Concordia University in 1991 and a B.S. in Human Movement from Johnson State in 1997. He was a four-year letter winner at Concordia University and a member of its 1990 national championship team. Mason was inducted into the Concordia University Hall of Fame in 1998.