Waterville, Maine – Colby Athletics is proud to celebrate the 36-year career of Tom Dexter as he prepares for retirement later this spring. Dexter has dedicated his professional life to the Mules, serving as a coach for both football and baseball. 

"The Colby Athletics family would like to thank Tom Dexter, and his family, for their service and dedication to the Mules," said Amanda V. DeMartino, the Harold Alfond Director of Athletics. "Tom's pride for Colby, dedication to our students, and passion for not just football or baseball but all of Colby's teams are evident from his years as a Mule and the countless relationships he has built throughout his career. He is well respected by his peers and his community, and beloved by so many alumni and current students he has mentored and coached throughout his tenure. While we are excited to celebrate Tom, he will be sorely missed." 

Arriving on Mayflower Hill in August of 1989 as an assistant for both programs, Dexter was elevated to head coach of baseball in 1992, a position he held until 2007 when he returned to an assistant role for another 12 seasons. On the football side, Dexter was elevated to defensive coordinator in 1994, calling Colby's defense until 2019 when he transitioned to lead the defensive backs and then defensive line to close out his career. While he officially held positions with those two programs, Dexter sees all 32 of Colby's varsity programs as his "team." 

"I have had the privilege of working in a profession that I am extremely passionate about," said Dexter, "as well as working at a school and living in a community I am so proud of. Colby Athletics for me became my extended family. Together we learned how to navigated the highs and lows as teammates, understanding how to win with humility and lose with grace. Having this vast support group of close friends and co-workers made my experience here very important to me." 

On the diamond, Dexter recalls the 1998 season with great fondness, a year he guided Colby to an 18-12 record and a spot in the ECAC tournament, the program's first appearance. Fifteen different Mules earned All-NESCAC recognition from 2000 (the year the NESCAC created official conference play) until Dexter hung up the stirrups in 2018, including nine first team selections. He was elected into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021. 

While his experience with the sport of baseball shaped his life in many ways, Dexter's energy and personality were truly allowed to flourish on the gridiron. Through his 36 years on the sidelines of Seaverns Field, the spirited coach saw a roster of 37 players in 1990 turn into a 7-1 season in 1994. He helped a winless team in 1997 flip their record in 2000 for Colby's only NESCAC title in football. His defenses were consistently ranked among the best in New England for Division III, and even ranked second nationally after the 2005 regular season. With almost 30 different players on the defensive side of the ball recognized with All-NESCAC awards since 2000, Dexter himself was honored when the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston named him Assistant Coach of the Year in 2009. 

"Throughout my coaching career in the great state of Maine, I have always recognized Tom Dexter for the high level of energy and enthusiasm he brings to coaching and the impact it has on young athletes," said Jack Cosgrove, the Dick McGee Head Coach for Colby Football. "We talk all the time about the importance of relationship building with student athletes, and Coach Dexter excels at it. His passionate approach has not only been impactful, but long lasting. The relationships he developed as a coach have continued on as friendships over the years. That's a very special place to get to in the coaching world."  

Accomplishments and accolades aside, longevity like Dexter's is truly remarkable in any profession – especially in college athletics. Some coaches are lifelong mentors, while others explore different paths and passions. True longevity demands commitment. It calls for growth, adaptability, and above all, a deep sense of belonging to remain rooted in one place. 

"My family had the biggest influence on my career path," continued Dexter, "and there is no way I would have stayed at Colby this long if I couldn't also be the father I knew I wanted to be. I was blessed to be able to raise our family in such a nourishing environment that allowed them access to the Colby community and opened the door for their own wonderful experiences in sports that we are so grateful for. Working at Colby and the balance it has provided has allowed me to be the best I could be at work, knowing I always had support for my family as well." 

While Dexter's retirement opens the doors to more flexibility away from Mayflower Hill, the beloved coach still anticipates many more days wearing his Colby gear and cheering for his Mules. "I was always proud of representing Colby and have been so honored to wear the blue and gray," reflected Dexter. "That will never change. This is a lifelong love affair!"