Got a press release from the Black Bears (courtesy PR wiz Laura Reed) let's check it out:
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.
Instant analysis? Good move. Although the record in Blodgett's 3 years plus hasn't been earth-shattering, she had to basically redo the program from scratch. It also gives everyone a little less fuel for the "Gavin Kane is a threat to Cindy's job" fire that some of the internet message boards haver kicked around recently. It's a boost recruiting-wise, as Blodgett has long-term security and the faith of the administration, plus parents would be impressed with the academics. Always good to see a hometown star give back to where she started.
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