Three-year contract extension with women’s soccer coach Scott Atherley approved
University of Maine Director of Athletics Karlton Creech announced on Wednesday, April 20 that head women’s soccer coach Scott Atherley has signed a three-year contract extension.
“I want to express my sincerest thanks to President Susan Hunter and Karlton Creech for affording me opportunity to continue to do what I love to do, among the people I care deeply about, at a place I consider home,” Atherley says. “I can’t think of a better time to be a Black Bear. There are so many positive things happening on our campus and within the athletic department. To be able to continue to share in the excitement with my colleagues and team is truly a privilege.”
Atherley’s extension will pay him an annual salary of $69,999 beginning July 1, 2016 and running through June 30, 2019.
Atherley, who recently completed his 17th season as head coach, continues to guide the women’s soccer program in a positive direction. Under his leadership, Maine has become a mainstay in America East postseason play as it has competed in four straight league tournaments. A year ago, the Black Bears hosted New Hampshire in quarterfinal action, defeating the Wildcats 4–3 in penalty kicks. From 2003–06, Atherley guided Maine to four straight America East tournament runner-up showings, starting a stretch which saw Maine in postseason play for eight straight years.
The Black Bears returned to the title game in 2010, earning a runner-up showing, after entering as the No. 6 seed and becoming the first team in league history to win two straight road games and earn a spot in the championship.
Individually, student-athletes have thrived under Atherley’s guidance, achieving numerous athletic and academic accolades.
“It’s with great excitement that we announce our extension with coach Atherley,” Creech says. “As our current longest tenured head coach here at UMaine, we are extremely pleased with the commitment coach Atherley has had with our university. I couldn’t be more excited for the future of our women’s soccer program and am eager to see the next step in their process.”