Noel Cotterell, UMass Boston alumnus and senior director of finance, died of cancer Feb. 3. He was 67.
Cotterell worked for the university for 41 years, serving as the senior director of finance and interim lead of the marketing and engagement division before retiring due to illness.
As a student, he was a multi-sport athlete, becoming the second in UMass Boston history to serve as captain of two sports — soccer and basketball — according to The Mass Media’s records. “A classy gentleman and smart player, the soft spoken Cotterell will be missed by all,” wrote Mass Media Sports Editor Phil Robichaud at the end of the 1981-82 basketball season, his final as a student.
“Noel, in my seven years here, is probably the person who got the most out of his undergraduate days,” said Charlie Titus, his basketball coach, in a March 16, 1982 article in The Mass Media. “He contributed as much to the university as anyone I know and will be missed. He is a credit to this institution.”
Cotterell returned as head soccer coach from 1987-2002, becoming the first coach at UMass Boston to reach 100 wins. Cotterell continues to hold the university’s record for career wins, according to Beacons Athletics. He also led the team to their first Eastern College Athletic Conference and Little East Conference Tournament appearances.
Beginning in 1991, Cotterell was a soccer official, refereeing through the Massachusetts State Referee Committee. MSRC awarded him Adult Referee of the Year in 2004, the same year he became a state referee.
He later became a national referee through the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association. NISOA awarded him regional referee of the year in 2010.
“The warmth and affection for people was one of Noel’s super powers. His infectious smile and easygoing demeanor were memorable. He was a referee’s referee – always there for you, teaching with a gentle word or by example,” the MSRC wrote in a social media post. “On the field he could be no-nonsense yet compassionate. Many a player fell under his spell, coerced into complacency with a witty comment (or a well earned yellow card).”
He is survived by wife Cynthia Williams-Cotterell; his five children, Ebony, Shaneece, Sequoia, Camryn and Jaydin; grandchildren Mickell, Caleb and Ajayna; siblings Keith, Cheddi, Collin, Andrea, Joan, Orville, Melinda, Joy, Rohan, Stephen, Maurice, Lystra, Michael and Charmaine; two brothers-in-law; and six sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by brothers Frederick, Winston, Donovan and Ian.
