Jim Karcanes joined the University of Southern Maine staff in December of 2022 as as the Huskies' Mental Performance Coach.
In his role as Mental Performance Coach, Karcanes provides professional guidance and counseling for student-athletes regarding personal, social, academic, athletic, and mental health concerns – providing USM student-athletes with an extra tool kit to achieve their competitive and personal goals.
Presently completing his Doctor of Education in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Western States, Karcanes has earned three master's degrees from three institutions, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Houghton College. Karcanes earned his MBA from Syracuse University in 2019, his Master of Education in Kinesiology and Physical Education from UMaine in 2013, and his Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in 2007.
Serving as an officer in the United States Army for 26 years, including three tours of duty, Karcanes has finely tuned leadership, coaching, mentoring, decision making and strategic planning abilities. In addition to his work with Huskies' cross country and track & field, Karcanes was the head women's cross country and assistant track & field coach at Husson University for two seasons, and has served as an assistant cross country coach at nearby Gorham High School. Presently, Karcanes is the Facilities Maintenance Manager for Gorham Parks & Recreation.
In addition to his mental performance role, Karcanes has spent several seasons with the Huskies' track and field program and served as interim head coach of the women's cross country team in 2019.
