BIDDEFORD, Maine -- University of New England Director of Athletics Heather Davis announced on Friday (July 11) the elevation of the head softball coach to a full-time position beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, and that Kim Lorenc will continue to lead the Nor'easters.

"We are grateful for the support from the University as we've worked to enhance this position," Davis commented. "I'm excited that we can now offer our softball student-athletes a more comprehensive experience with the full-time leadership, as well as the continuity of Kim being the one to guide the program into the future."

Lorenc started at UNE in 2018-19, serving as assistant coach for nearly two seasons, right up until the pandemic halted the 2020 campaign days before the competitive schedule began. She was hired as the part-time head coach later in 2020, and has led the Nor'easters for the past five years (2021-25). UNE has a pair of semifinal appearances in the conference postseason championship during that time.

"Thanks to Heather for advocating for this position to receive improvements, and for having the confidence in me to fulfill it," shared Lorenc. "I'm really looking forward to building on what our coaching staff has already started, with more resources to develop the current student-athletes, more time to invest in recruiting efforts, and everything in between."