The University of Maine’s loss is Ohio State’s gain.

Maine assistant field hockey coach Laurie Carroll leaves Orono next week to join the staff of NCAA Division I head coach Karen Weaver at Ohio State University in Columbus.

“It was an unexpected opportunity,” Carroll said during a telephone interview Tuesday from her office on the Maine campus. “Karen contacted me.”

Carroll’s departure is a big loss for Maine Coach Terry Kix who says goodbye to her assistant and friend. But Kix knows Carroll must go.

“I really feel it is a wonderful opportunity for Laurie to get Big 10 exposure,” Kix said.”I am sad to see her leave because she is a great asset for our program, and we will miss her.”

Ohio State’s new full-time assistant field hockey coach finds parallels between the programs.

“Where Maine was working to be competitive with Boston University and Northeastern in recruiting, Ohio State is on the verge of doing great things to get even with the Iowas and the Penn States,” Carroll said.

Ohio State finished third in the Big 10 last year.

“I was thrilled the way things worked out at Maine with our great recruiting class,” Carroll said.

“It was unbelievable working with Terry, and Mike Ploszek was very supportive, which gives me some hesitation about leaving.”

Weaver said she met Carroll three years ago at an Olympic developmental camp at UMaine and was impressed with her work.

“I’m very excited about Laurie joining our staff. She’ll add a level of expertise to our staff we’ve not had before, ” Weaver said. “She has excellent contacts in the New England area and we hope to get some student-athletes from that region.”

Weaver said Carroll will be her top assistant and recruiting will be her primary responsiblility.