Davis hired as women's head soccer coach at UNE

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Heather Davis has been hired as women's head soccer coach at the University of New England. UNE Director of Athletics Kim Allen made the official announcement this morning (Feb. 5).

Davis replaces Doug Biggs, who retired in January. Davis brings 12 years of head coaching experience to UNE, having guided programs at NCAA Division III Carnegie Mellon University and, most recently, NCAA Division II Lock Haven University. She owns a 94-90-15 career record, including a 67-44-1 mark at Carnegie Mellon. Davis led CMU to a pair of Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Mid-Atlantic championships (2003, 2004).

While at Lock Haven, her team was selected winner of the 2008 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Ethics and Sportsmanship Award.

Davis (formerly Heather Kendra) had an outstanding playing career at Plymouth State University, where she was a two-time all-region player. Davis helped lead the Panthers to the NCAA Division III Final Four in 1993 and an ECAC New England championship in 1995. She graduated in 1996 with a bachelor of science degree in physical education and exercise science.   From Plymouth State, Davis went on to the University of North Carolina to earn a master's degree in sport administration. While taking classes at UNC, she served as an assistant coach at NCAA Division III Washington and Lee University.

Davis holds a United States Soccer Federation 'A' license and served as a site representative at the NCAA Division I Soccer Championship in 2009.   Davis, who will officially start at UNE on Aug. 1, is eager to lead the Nor'easters' program. "I am thrilled about coming to University of New England," Davis commented. "I have been impressed by their reputation for integrating the athletics department into the overall educational mission of the University and the high value placed on success in both the classroom and on the field. I am thankful for this opportunity to work at such a reputable institution and with the talented young women on the team.

Their recent accomplishments are great building blocks for our future success."   Allen is pleased to add Davis to the Nor'easters' coaching staff.   "We are very excited to bring Heather Davis to UNE," Allen said. "Heather possesses a wealth of coaching experience and has a passion for coaching and teaching. Her professionalism and competitive spirit will further grow the rich tradition of success Doug Biggs was able to cultivate here." Biggs guided the women's soccer program for 20 seasons, compiling a career mark of 180-130-17 and leading UNE to three postseason championships. The Nor'easters were 15-4 in 2009 and advanced to the semifinals of the ECAC New England Championship.