DIXFIELD — Every new challenge was a like breath of inspiration for Art Chamberlin, who coached the Dirigo girls’ soccer team for 18 seasons.

For Chamberlin, there were countless rewards and memories while he was at the helm coaching the soccer and tennis teams at Dirigo.

“I found right away that the girls worked and played their hardest when they were having fun,” Chamberlin said. “That first group of girls I had were highly motivated student athletes. Mary Gill, Rachel Drury, Nicki Dominiczak, just to name a few. By providing them with a structure in which they could have fun and work hard, they bonded and formed a close and very successful team.”

The Dirigo girls had a club team during the 1993 and 1994 seasons. Chamberlin’s only brush with soccer was at the intramural level in college, and serving as the boys’ junior varsity coach with (current Mt. Blue girls’ coach) Fred Conlogue in 1993 and 1994. Chamberlin learned a great deal  from Conlogue and was impressed with his knowledge of the game.

Chamberlin was intrigued about the position because he had been coaching girls’ tennis since 1981, and was interested in working with girls in a different sport.

“I was very lucky to have had two seasons to coach with and learn from Fred Conlogue,” Chamberlin said. “I developed a good understanding of soccer, and more importantly, a greater appreciation for the organization , management, and human relations skills necessary to run a successful program.”

The Dirigo program was a success nearly overnight. The Cougars lost to North Yarmouth Academy in the Western Class C regional final in 1995. A majority of starters were juniors and sophomores who then went on to win states over Madawaska in Millinocket in 1996. That team included Lisa Konopka, goalie; Dominizack, midfielder; Gill, forward; Drury, forward; Jessica Porter, defense; Jenn Errington, striker; Breezy Verrill, stopper; Angie Phair, mid; Tiffany Wing, Cassie Turcotte, Monica Beck, Jill Fuller, Erica Beck, Erin Buck, Kristi Sayer, Critter Turcotte, Jenn Flynn, Jess Blackman, Erin Cox, Meagan Melcher and Beth Whytock.

When new players joined the program, Chamberlin made the necessary adjustments to mold the newcomers.

“It is the part of my coaching that has been the biggest challenge,” Chamberlin said. ”I have worked the hardest at it and that part that has given me the most satisfaction. The state and conference titles were wonderful to win, but the best memories I have come from the fun my girls had together.”

Chamberlin’s career record is 154-87-27. His teams qualified for playoffs in 15 of his 18 years with the lone state title coming in 1996. Dirigo also earned regional runner-up trophies in 1995 and 2004, and MVC championships in 1995, 2001 and 2004.

Memories that stand out include the annual soccer party that Chamberlin and his wife Anne hosted at their camp in Weld.

Chamberlin also plans on retiring from tennis at the conclusion of the 2013 season.