FARMINGTON, Maine – University of Maine at Farmington Director of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation, Julie Davis, is pleased to announce today the hiring of two coaches.

Molly Wilkie has been named the Head Women’s Soccer and Lacrosse Coach and Christopher Parsons has been tabbed as the Head Men’s Soccer and Lacrosse Coach. Both are scheduled to start their positions on August 20, 2008.

“This is just an exciting time to be at Farmington,” said Davis. “We’re adding new sports to enhance our residential mission and these two quality individuals are ready for the challenge. We look forward to them joining the UMF team.”

Molly Wilkie is a former women’s soccer player at Farmington and a 2005 graduate in psychology. She has spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the Beavers. She replaces head coach Bob Leib, who is retiring from coaching after 31 years at the helm of Farmington soccer programs.

“I am honored for the opportunity to represent the University,” said Wilkie. “I am thrilled to carry on successful traditions and to build new ones.”

The Beavers’ women’s soccer team finished at 14-5-2 last season. The women’s lacrosse program is scheduled to become a varsity sport in the spring of 2009.

“It’s a perfect fit,” said Leib. “She’s very capable. She’s a players’ coach. She has been with the program from the ground up.”

Formerly Molly Hagstrom, Wilkie played for the Beavers in 2004 and 2005. A starter in the backfield, Wilkie appeared in 40 games over two seasons with three goals and three assists. A leader on and off the field, Wilkie was captain of the 2005 team and named to the All-North Atlantic Conference Second Team and NAC All-Tournament Team.

Wilkie transferred from the University of Southern Maine where she was an All-Little East First Team and All-New England First Team in 2000 and All-Little East Second Team in 2001.

A native of Yarmouth, Wilkie resides in New Sharon with her husband, Andrew.

Christopher Parsons has more than five years of college head coaching experience in men’s soccer at the NAIA and NCAA Division III level. An assistant coach for the University of Maine men’s soccer team last season, he also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Bowdoin College.

“I would like to thank the University for this opportunity,” said Parsons. “I am excited about the future of the men’s soccer and lacrosse programs here at the University of Maine at Farmington. This is a special place and to have an opportunity to build on the tradition and success of the athletic programs makes it a great place to be.”

The Beavers’ men’s soccer team went 6-5-6 last season and reached the North Atlantic Conference semifinals. Parsons is charged with building a club sport program in men’s lacrosse in 2008-2009. Men’s lacrosse is scheduled to be a varsity sport offering in the spring of 2010.

Parsons replaces Jamie Beaudoin, who will focus on his increased responsibilities as the Assistant Athletics Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach. Beaudoin spent six years at the helm of the Beavers’ men’s soccer program.

“Chris Parsons is an excellent choice to lead the men’s soccer and lacrosse programs at the University of Maine at Farmington,” said Beaudoin. “Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and coaching experience to our athletics department, along with the enthusiasm to be at an NCAA Division III Institution. His plan for success will not only lead to the continued development of our men’s soccer program, but the establishment of a competitive lacrosse program in New England.”

Parsons began his men’s soccer coaching career as the Head Coach at Notre Dame College (N.H.) from 1999 to 2001. Before moving to Bowdoin, Parsons was the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at St. Joseph’s College (Maine) in 2003 and 2004.

Parsons made two National Junior College Athletic Association National Final Four Appearances with Ulster County Community College (N.Y.) before playing at Thomas College. At Thomas, Parsons was an NSCAA All-American in 1996 and a two-time All-New England, All-State and All-Conference selection.

A native of Oakham, Mass., Parsons graduated from Thomas College with a Bachelor of Science degree in sports management in 1998. He currently resides in Dover-Foxcroft with his wife, Karin, and three children, Taylor, Drew and Emma Jane.

For more information on Farmington athletics, visit http://athletics.umf.maine.edu.