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University of Maine at Fort Kent

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Enrollment & Advancement Center • University of Maine at Fort Kent • 23 University Drive, Fort Kent, ME 04743

UMFK Athletic Director receives national award

June 9, 2014

Note: this is an archived news release. As such, the information provided may no longer apply.

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University of Maine at Fort Kent Athletic Director Bill Ashby recently was named the 2013-2014 Garth Pleasant Honorary Athletic Director of the Year at the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) national convention held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

"Not only has Bill Ashby experienced tremendous success at UMFK as an administrator and coach, but he has also been an integral part of new membership acquisition and growth at the USCAA," states USCAA Chief Operating Officer Matthew Simms. "We are proud to recognize Bill as the Garth Pleasant Athletic Director of the Year based on his long term contributions."

Ashby has served at UMFK since 2006 as athletic director and men's soccer coach. Ashby came to UMFK with a wealth of experience as an athletic director and a successful career as a soccer coach.

“Bill Ashby has positioned UMFK as a national force in small college athletics through his leadership as a coach, recruiter, and motivator,” said UMFK President Wilson G. Hess.

The Bengals men's soccer team has been to the national champions for the last four years. In 2010, the Bengals, won the USCAA National Championship under Head Coach Bill Ashby, and last year, finished as runner-up at nationals.

Ashby noted, “It is a honor to be recognized for doing ones job well, to be recognized by your peers is especially rewarding. This award speaks to the outstanding work performed by the athletic staff and the achievements of UMFK student/athletes. I am proud to be a UMFK Bengal!”

He also has served as coach or director to numerous state, local, and national committees on teaching students and coaches the skills necessary to perform soccer at its highest level both on and off the field.

Ashby holds many coaching licenses issued through the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and the United States Soccer Federation.

Ashby currently chairs the USCAA's Soccer Coaches Committee.

Below is the wording from the plaque:

For outstanding contributions made to the USCAA, as a long standing member of the Coaches Poll Committee, Chairman of the newly formed Soccer Coaches Committee, and for marketing efforts to promote USCAA membership growth and national recognition. The USCAA thanks you for all that you do to support the association.