Thomas Freel: Outstanding Graduating International Student

Thomas Freel from Aberdeen, Scotland, is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the Maine Business School. He is majoring in business administration in finance and is a member of the Men’s Ice Hockey team. His experience connected him with a group of fellow student athletes who motivated him and helped him grow as a teammate and person, as well as exposed him to situations that developed his skills in time management, group work and situational pressure. Through the university, he was also introduced to people and culture from all over the U.S. and experienced the unwavering commitment of UMaine hockey fans as his team claimed the Hockey East championship title in TD Garden in spring 2025 for the first time since 2004. Freel plans to continue playing hockey at UMaine while continuing his education at the Graduate School of Business.  

Why did you choose to come to UMaine? 

I chose to come to UMaine because I wanted to experience the school spirit that comes with an American university experience. I was fortunate enough to be recruited to play on the Men’s Ice Hockey team and have been fulfilling my dream of playing at a school where hockey matters and the education prepares you for the real world. 

How have your experiences prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field? 

Being a student-athlete has taught me a lot, including how to manage my time, deal with high-pressure situations, and achieve success in groups. These are all vital tools that will help me in my career.

Have there been other students who have supported and inspired you?

All of my teammates throughout my time here have helped me grow. Whether it was motivating me or giving me feedback, my teammates have helped me grow as an athlete and a person.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor, or role model who made your time better at UMaine?

I have been so fortunate to have so many faculty members and coaches who have helped guide me through my time here. The Men’s Ice Hockey staff have supported me my whole time here and believed in me even when I had doubts. Faculty members such as Dave Barrett, Dr. Buffie Quinn, Dr. Susan Myrden, Dr. David Townsend, Dr. Ryan LaRochelle, Dr. Elizabeth Payne, Scott Delcourt, and Coach Cusano have all helped me navigate my way through academic life at UMaine.

What has coming to UMaine enabled you to explore beyond academics?

UMaine has introduced me to people from all over the United States. As someone who was born in Scotland and has lived in Canada, I was curious to see how life in the U.S. was different. Now, having met people from all corners of the country, it’s hard to decide which state I would like to visit next. 

Did you have an experience at UMaine that shaped or changed how you see the world?

This past season playing in the Hockey East Championship at TD Garden is an experience I will never forget. UMaine hockey fans never fail to surprise me with their unwavering commitment and sacrifice to the program. Seeing the response to us winning that championship really showed me how your actions might have an impact on people you wouldn’t even realize. 

Describe UMaine in one word and explain.

Family.

What’s on the horizon? 

I plan on coming back to the Graduate School of Business at UMaine in order to continue my studies and continue playing for the UMaine hockey team.

Contact: Melanie Brooks; melanie.brooks@maine.edu