Jamie Cassidy took on a significant challenge this season for the University of Maine women’s basketball team.

The 6-foot-4 center assumed a more dominant role as the Black Bears’ offensive leader, served as the main rebounding presence, and continued to improve on the defensive end.

Cassidy, whose performance earned her recognition as the America East Player of the Year, also has been honored as one of the best players in the region. The talented junior from Methuen, Mass., is among athletes who have been recognized as a Kodak District I All-American by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

Cassidy, who was among the top five vote-getters in the region, is now eligible for inclusion on the 1999 Kodak All-America Team, which will be announced prior to the women’s Final Four at San Jose, Calif.

Cassidy had another outstanding season while leading UMaine to its fifth America East regular-season title in six years and its fifth straight trip to the NCAA Tournament, where the Bears made school and conference history by beating Stanford in the first round.

Cassidy averaged 23.8 points, which ranked fourth in the nation as of March 8, while shooting 57 percent from the field. She also connected on 82 percent of her free throws and averaged 8.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocked shots.

“It’s a great honor,” said Maine coach Joanne Palombo-McCallie. “She’s someone who continues to improve in every area of her game. She’s begun to put together the whole package, especially in terms of picking up her play on defense. She deserves it and hopefully this will serve as a motivator for her.”

Cassidy follows a distinguished list of former Bears to receive Kodak District I recognition. Cindy Blodgett was a four-time honoree from 1995-98 while Rachel Bouchard (1989-91) and Liz Coffin (1986-88) each were chosen three times.

Heading into her senior season, Cassidy ranks fourth on UMaine’s all-time scoring list with 1,709 points and is on a pace to eclipse 1,000 rebounds, with 709 to her credit.