University of Maine Director of Athletics Karlton Creech announced on Wednesday, April 13 that head women’s basketball coach Richard Barron has signed a four-year contract extension.
“I am very grateful for this offer and the faith that Karlton Creech and President Susan Hunter have shown in me,” said Barron. “I am deeply appreciative of the commitment of our players and staff, past and present, who have helped change the culture of our program. I am clearly the beneficiary of their hard work. UMaine is a wonderful university made up of talented people. The women’s basketball program has enjoyed a unique and special role representing the university and it is that relevance which makes coaching here such a privilege. I am excited about our returning players, our staff, our incoming players and next year’s schedule. While we have made great strides over the past five years, I believe we have an even brighter future. Maureen and I have really enjoyed living in Maine and our children are thriving here. We appreciate the wonderful opportunities that UMaine and this community have afforded us. I appreciate the encouragement and kind words from fans over these past few months and I look forward to seeing you in a packed Cross Insurance Center next November! Again, thank you all for this opportunity.”
Barron, originally hired as the Black Bears’ head coach in 2011, is currently in his fifth year at the helm at UMaine and his 16th overall. The extension runs through the 2020 season with an annual compensation of $150,000 and increasing by $5,000 each year.
In just five season’s, Barron, the 2015 America East Coach of the Year, has transformed the Black Bears from a four-win team into a perennial favorite in the America East. Under his guidance, the Black Bears have captured back-to-back America East regular season titles, racking up 20+ wins in each of the last two years. For three straight seasons, the Black Bears have earned spots in postseason tournaments, including two consecutive trips to the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT). With its triumphs on the court, Maine has evolved into a mainstay member of the Mid-Major Top-25 Poll, finishing 2016 ranked at No. 16. Barron’s mentoring has accounted for several all-conference and weekly accolades, along with a number of record-breaking individual and team performances.
Barron has reignited a buzz around UMaine women’s basketball, one that stretches to all corners of the state. In his first five years, UMaine’s home attendance has increased by 62.9 percent, with an atmosphere at the Cross Insurance Center unmatched by any other in the America East conference.
Maine’s success on the court continues to be matched by its community service and academic excellence.
Academically, the Black Bears finished the 2014-15 season ranked 24th nationally in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Academic Top 25 Honor Roll with a 3.399 grade point average. Following the 2015-16 season, all 16 members of the team were honored at the UMaine Academic Awards night for achieving individual GPAs of 3.0 or better.
Outside of their time committed on the court and in the classroom, members of Barron’s team are immensely attached to the community, participating in numerous clinics, school visits and holiday service events.
“We are extremely delighted to have Coach Barron staying at the University of Maine,” said Creech. “Coach Barron’s team has become a model of excellence on the court, in the classroom, and throughout the community. We are happy with the growth and success of the women’s basketball program over the last five years but even more excited about the future of this program under his guidance.”
http://goblackbears.com/sports/w-baskbl/2015-16/releases/20160413fw30c1
Photo Courtesy UMaine Athletics
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