PORTLAND – Joanne P. McCallie, the women’s basketball coach at Duke who also coached Cindy Blodgett at the University of Maine, said Sunday that Blodgett has been hired as an assistant coach at the University of Rhode Island.

Blodgett was fired as head coach at Maine in March after compiling a 24-94 record over four seasons, including 4-25 this past winter. In a press conference after her firing, Blodgett said she was unjustly fired from the school where she played from 1994-98, leading the Black Bears to four consecutive NCAA Division I tournament appearances.

“I’m disappointed,” said Blodgett on March 31. “Anger doesn’t help. I’m disappointed we didn’t have more leadership and didn’t have more of a commitment from the administration.”

Neither Blodgett nor Rhode Island have confirmed the appointment.

McCallie, a Brunswick High graduate, was in Maine to visit family and speak at the All-Sports Awards Ceremony, honoring 28 Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram high school MVPs. She said she spoke with Blodgett recently and is confident she will get a fresh start and be successful.

Rhode Island is coached by Cathy Inglese, the former coach at Vermont (120-74) and Boston College (273-197) who is preparing for her second year with the Rams.

“Cindy’s going to be a fantastic coach at Rhode Island working with Cathy Inglese, and Cathy is one of the best coaches I know,” McCallie told WGME-TV during an interview at the banquet. “Even thought there was difficulty, she’s going to be in a special place.”

 


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