While few details are forthcoming, there seems to be considerable optimism surrounding the University of Maine’s search for a new head women’s basketball coach.

Anne Pooler, UMaine’s associate dean for instruction and an associate professor of education, is the chairwoman of the UMaine committee that is poring through the list of applicants. She is pleased with the progress the search committee has made thus far.

“I think it’s moving along very quickly,” Pooler said Wednesday evening. “We’re in the sorting the applicants review stage and I would say that we’re very excited by a very strong applicant pool.”

Pooler wasn’t sure how many applicants the university has received for the position, but she knows the committee has plenty of qualified applicants from which to choose a successor for Ann McInerney.

“That will make our job more difficult, I’m sure,” Pooler said of the strong applicant pool. “It is a good ‘problem.'”

The position has been advertised for 15 days.

UMaine has brought together a well-rounded group of people to serve on the six-member search committee. In addition to Pooler and athletic director Blake James, the contingent includes former UMaine AD Stu Haskell, former Black Bear men’s basketball standout Dean Smith, UMaine Senior Woman Administrator and Director of Academic Support Services Ann Maxim, and Evie Smith, a driving force with the Friends of Maine Women’s Basketball booster group.

“It’s a nice cross-section and I think everybody is taking their job very seriously,” said Pooler, who has one primary goal as the chairwoman of the search committee.

“My job is to see that it’s an open process and everyone has an appropriate chance [to be considered for the position],” she said, adding the committee has now met three times.

James previously said there was no predetermined date established to have a new coach on board, but stressed the importance of finding someone quickly to help smooth the transition for the players and the program in general.

McInerney resigned suddenly last month after leading the Bears to a 23-34 overall record and two America East quarterfinal appearances in her two seasons.

One of the prerequisites for the new coach is three years of college coaching experience. Other key qualifications include excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills; a demonstrated ability to mentor and motivate student-athletes; knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to NCAA rules and regulations; and a working knowledge of budget and business practices.

James said the committee will select a candidate after a review of applications and private on-campus interviews with the top choices. He will then submit a recommendation for approval UMaine President Robert Kennedy.