Gary Fifield Named Black Bears Assistant Coach

Maine Basketball Hall of Fame coach Gary Fifield will join the UMaine women's basketball program as a temporary assistant coach of the 2018-19 season.

Black Bears head coach Amy Vachon made the announcement today.

"I am very excited to announce the addition of Gary Fifield to our staff," Vachon said. "Coach Fifield's coaching resume speaks for itself. He is a proven teacher, mentor and coach. In our conversations about the possibility, it became very clear to me that he would be a perfect addition to our staff. His experience coaching at all levels of basketball will add a level of expertise that will benefit our entire program. We are thrilled to welcome Coach Fifield and his wife, Mary, to our Black Bear family." - UMaine Press Release

The assistant coach spot opened recently when Jhasmine Player left UMaine to take a coaching job at Loyola Marymount in California.

Fifield was the head coach at the University of Southern Maine for 27 years with a record of 660-137. His teams played in NCAA tournaments games in 23 years. His Huskies teams played the the Division III Final Four five times, including three times in the national championship game.

Fifield retired from USM in 2015. He spent a year as an assistant coach at Appalachian State and spent last year coaching the Cheverus High School girls team.

He has been inducted into the New England Hall of Fame, the Little East Conference Hall of Fame, the Maine Sports Hall of Fame and the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame.

"I am very excited to join Coach Vachon, her staff and players for the 2018-19 season," Fifield said. "Coach Vachon has shown that she is one of the top young head coaches in Division I women's basketball. When meeting with Amy, I could sense that her energy, positive personality and work ethic are contagious. UMaine women's basketball has a rich tradition and wonderful support from a loyal fan base. I look forward to being a part of this program."  - UMaine Press Release