Most Influential: Top New England Division 1 coaches

JUSTIN BLOOD

▪ Head coach | University of Hartford

Justin Blood has become well respected for the consistent America East contender he’s built at the University of Hartford, helping the Hawks set single-season program records for wins twice during his head coaching tenure and advance to the NCAA tournament via a league championship for the first time ever in 2018.

Even seven seasons into his time leading Hartford, the Swanzey, N.H., native doesn’t forget where he came from, citing Dayton head coach Jayson King and UConn’s Jim Penders as two of his major influences. Blood played for King at Franklin Pierce and spent six years as Penders’ right-hand man in Storrs. They’re often at the top of his mind.