UMaine Extends Blodgett Contract Through 2012-2013 Season

Note: Cindy Blodgett and Steve Abbott are both at Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono this afternoon, participating in the annual women’s basketball fundraiser golf tournament.  They will be available for interviews at PVCC.

Contact: Joe Carr (207) 581-3571
Laura Reed (207) 581-3646

ORONO — University of Maine women’s basketball coach Cindy Blodgett has agreed to a two-year contract extension.  Appended to the four-year contract she signed when taking over the Black Bear program in 2007, the new deal extends through the end of the 2012-2013 season.

“The women’s basketball program is making steady progress under Coach Blodgett’s leadership,” says UMaine Athletic Director Steve Abbott.  “I sense a lot of excitement about the future of Black Bear women’s basketball and I look forward to working with Cindy to help get the program back to the top of the America East Conference.”

Blodgett is a 1998 UMaine graduate and Black Bear legend who enjoyed a professional career in the WNBA and Europe.  She returned to UMaine three years ago following a successful stint as a Brown University assistant coach.

“I’m grateful for the support from President Kennedy, Director of Athletics Steve Abbott and the fans of our program,” Blodgett says. “Our team has worked hard in the off-season and we’re all excited about the upcoming year.”

Following the example Blodgett set when she was a UMaine student-athlete, her teams have excelled in the classroom.  Led by America East All-Academic Team member Kristin Baker, the 2009-2010 team achieved an overall grade point average of 3.09.  Blodgett’s teams are also active in community service, participating in events such as the Komen Race for the Cure, Run for Hope and similar activities that support worthwhile causes.

With just one senior on the roster, the Black Bears will open their season on Saturday Nov. 13 with a home game against Harvard.