By Marc Meyers, sports information director (Spring 2008 issue)

Two new head coaches will be patrolling the sidelines next fall for the UMF soccer teams and building lacrosse programs with the intent for varsity competition.

Molly (Hagstrom) Wilkie ’06 was named the head women’s soccer and lacrosse coach, and Christopher Parsons was tabbed as the head men’s soccer and lacrosse coach.

“This is just an exciting time to be at Farmington,” said Director of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation Julie Davis. “We’re adding new sports to enhance our residential mission, and these two quality individuals are ready for the challenge. We look forward to them joining the UMF team.”

Wilkie played soccer for Farmington in 2004 and 2005, and spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the Beavers. She replaces Bob Leib, who is retiring from coaching after 31 years at the helm of Farmington soccer programs.

“I am honored for the opportunity to represent the University,” Wilkie said. “I am thrilled to carry on successful traditions and to build new ones.”

The women’s soccer team finished 14-5-2 last season. The women’s lacrosse program is scheduled to become a varsity sport in spring 2009.

Christopher Parsons has more than five years of college head coaching experience in men’s soccer at the NAIA and NCAA Division III level. An assistant coach for the University of Maine men’s soccer team last season, he also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Bowdoin College. Before moving to Bowdoin, Parsons was the head men’s soccer coach at St. Joseph’s College in 2003 and 2004. He began his men’s soccer coaching career as the head coach at New Hampshire’s Notre Dame College from 1999 to 2001.

“I would like to thank the University for this opportunity,” Parsons said. “I am excited about the future of the men’s soccer and lacrosse programs here at the University of Maine at Farmington. This is a special place and to have an opportunity to build on the tradition and success of the athletic programs makes it a great place to be.”

The men’s soccer team went 6-5-6 last season and reached the NAC semifinals. Parsons is charged with building a club-sport program in men’s lacrosse in 2008-2009. Men’s lacrosse is scheduled to become a varsity sport in spring 2010.

Parsons replaces Jamie Beaudoin ’97, who will focus on his increased responsibilities as the assistant athletics director and head women’s basketball coach. Beaudoin spent six years at the helm of UMF’s men’s soccer program.