A veteran in the coaching ranks, David Chadbourne, has been named the next head coach of the University of Southern Maine women’s basketball team. University of Southern Maine Director of Athletics Al Bean made the announcement as the Huskies prepare for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year. Chadbourne replaces Samantha Norris who led the Huskies for eight seasons (2015-2023).
“I’m very pleased that David will be joining the USM staff as our next women’s basketball coach. He brings a wealth of experience as a head coach of both women’s and men’s basketball at the NCAA Division II level and has a long history of success,” said Bean. “David is excited about his new challenge and is ready to move the program forward and reconnect with its rich history. I’m very confident that David will be an outstanding leader for the Huskies and look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”
Chadbourne brings more than 25 years of head coaching experience to the program and has led the Franklin Pierce University (NCAA Division II) squad since 1999. The Ravens all-time leader in wins, Chadbourne has led Franklin Pierce to the postseason in 18 of his 24 seasons in New Hampshire. Chadbourne was named the 2021-2022 Northeast 10 Coach of the Year after leading his team to the NE10 Championship.
Prior to his role as men’s basketball coach at Franklin Pierce, Chadbourne led the Ravens’ women’s basketball program for three seasons (1996-1999), posting an overall record of 63-44 (.724) and a 44-6 (.880) record against conference opponents, finishing as champions of the NECC in 97-98, and 98-99.
“I am honored to be joining the University of Southern Maine as their next Women’s Basketball Coach. I’d like to thank Athletic Director Al Bean and the committee for selecting me. I am excited for the opportunity, as well as the challenges ahead,” noted Chadbourne. “University of Southern Maine women’s basketball has a strong tradition, and we are going to work hard to embody that standard of excellence. The University of Southern Maine is a tremendous institution that provides an outstanding venue for academic, athletic, personal, and professional growth, and I look forward to the seasons ahead.”
A tireless recruiter, Chadbourne has coached more than 30 All-Northeast 10 selections, six Daktronics, and seven National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-Region honorees. Chadbourne also has a breadth of experience in Athletic Administrative roles.
Before his roles at Franklin Pierce, Chadbourne was an assistant coach at his alma mater, St. Joseph’s College (Maine). A two-sport standout for the Monks (basketball, baseball), Chadbourne was inducted into the Saint Joseph’s College Athletics Hall of Fame.
