BIDDEFORD, Maine -- University of New England head women's swimming coach Rick Hayes has resigned from the position.

"I would like to thank Rick for his years of service to UNE and our student-athletes," shared Director of Athletics Heather Davis. "First as an assistant coach, and most recently as head coach, Rick demonstrated a long-standing commitment to Nor'easter swimming."

Hayes was the third head coach of the program, and the longest-tenured by one season. Over 11 years, the women's swimming program amassed a 61-22 record in dual meets, including the first undefeated campaign (6-0) in 2025-26, after the previous program-best win percentage of .889 (8-1) in 2024-25. Also two seasons ago, the Nor'easters placed 4th for a second straight year at the Little East Conference (LEC) Championships, and Hayes and his assistants were recognized as the LEC Coaching Staff of the Year.

UNE's first-ever experience with a primary conference was in 2021-22, under the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), and the squad finished 3rd out of 10 programs. Hayes was named GNAC Coach of the Year for his efforts, and followed it up New England Intercollegiate Swimming & Diving Association (NEISDA) Coach of the Year at the ensuing regional event.

Prior to 2020-21, the Nor'easters were a regular top-third finisher at the New England Championships. In Hayes' second season (2016-17), UNE matched the program best with 5th place out of 21 teams.

He also coached the club men's swimming team alongside the women's group. Prior to his first collegiate head coaching role at Saint Joseph's College of Maine, which spanning seven years, he served as UNE's assistant coach under the program's first head coach, Kate Roy, in 2005-06 and 2006-07.

"I would like to thank the administration for giving me the opportunity to coach this amazing team for the last 11 years," Hayes reflected. "More importantly, I need to thank all of the swimmers over the years for their hard work and dedication that has allowed this program to grow and succeed. I am a very lucky coach to have had this experience and formed these connections."

Plans to identify the next head coach are actively in the works.