Guerrette to coach at UMPI Rodgerson gets nod to guide Wentworth

Former University of Maine guard Tracy Guerrette is back in the UMaine system, but five years after graduating, she’ll be a coach, not a student-athlete.

The former Wisdom High School of St. Agatha star makes another return – to her native Aroostook County – as the new head women’s basketball coach at the University of Maine-Presque Isle.

Guerrette replaces two-year interim coach Richard Ward, who is also UMPI’s athletic director and golf coach.

“She’s someone we’ve been working on all summer and we’re excited to have her here,” Ward said. “I sought her out. I know she was happy at Wisdom, so I called her.”

Guerrette coached Wisdom’s varsity girls basketball team the last three years, going 5-11 last season and 11-35 overall over three seasons.

“She’s a county girl and chances are we’ll be able to keep her awhile. She already knows it snows here occasionally.”

Ward compiled a 32-13 record in two seasons coaching the Owls. The Owls went 15-6 last season and qualified for the NCAA Division III Independent Northeast Women’s Tournament.

“We always said we wouldn’t turn it over until we could do it with someone we were comfortable with and who could continue what we’ve been doing in terms of improvement,” said Ward.

Ward said he wasn’t concerned about Guerrette’s high school coaching record.

“I saw her coach quite a bit. I know she wasn’t blessed with great talent there, but I saw the basic knowledge was there and we liked the way she handled her teams,” he said. “I liked her ability to relate well to all kids – not just the average kids, but those who are very good and maybe even not as good. I think she’ll do a great job.”

The Owls graduated only one player (starter Leah Joy) from last season’s team, leaving four senior starters along with a solid recruiting class of seven players.

The former two-year captain for the UMaine women’s basketball team played for the Bears from 1988 to 2002. She played for two coaches during her tenure: Joanne Palombo-McCallie and Sharon Versyp. She made two NCAA Tournament appearances and won the coach’s award with the Bears.

“A huge bonus is the fact she has so much name recognition, especially around here,” said Ward. “I think it’ll benefit us for years to come.”

Guerrette will also be UMPI’s sports information director.

Leopards get a Bronco

Wentworth Institute of Technology of Boston, Mass., made it official Monday as they welcomed former Hampden Academy girls’ basketball standout Amanda Rodgerson as its new varsity women’s basketball coach.

The former University of New Engand star forward replaces Carrie Crawford, who stepped down in May after compiling a 46-53 record in four seasons.

Rodgerson coached the Southern Maine Community College Seawolves for three seasons, going 44-30 and winning the Maine Small College Conference title two straight seasons. She was named Yankee Small College Conference and MSCC coach of the year in 2005.