University of Maine head women’s basketball coach Ann McInerney has resigned, the university announced Wednesday.
McInerney stepped down after two seasons with the Black Bears, where she compiled a 23-34 record, including 13-15 this year with a quarterfinal loss to Vermont in the America East tournament.
Maine hired McInerney in May, 2005 after six years as head coach at Merrimack College. “I appreciate the University of Maine giving me the opportunity to coach here the last two years,” McInerney said in a news release from the university. “I wish nothing but the best for my players and their futures.” The Black Bears got off to their best start in nine years this past season, winning five of their first six, but an incident involving her top assistant hung over 2006-07 campaign.
On Nov. 5, McInerney was a passenger in associate coach Kathy Karlsson’s car when Karlsson was charged with drunken driving in Bangor. McInerney gave a false name to a state trooper, spelling her last name as “Martin” when questioned.
McInerney later apologized for the incident. Karlsson was suspended for three games after her arrest. University officials did not disclose any punishment for McInerney at the time.
“As the head coach, I have a serious responsibility to model good behavior and to lead this program in a way that reflects the values and ideals of the University of Maine,” McInerney said in a statement released through the university in February.
McInerney became the sixth coach in the program’s history after compiling a 119-65 record and two NCAA Division II Final Four appearances at Merrimack. She led the Black Bears to a 10-19 record and a loss in the America East quarterfinals in her first year.
“I want to thank Ann for her efforts on behalf of the University of Maine, its athletics department and our student-athletes,” Maine athletic director Blake James said in a statement. “Ann is a talented coach, and I wish her the best in future endeavors.”
Neither McInerney nor University of Maine officials were available for further comment Wednesday night.
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