Kimberly Stiles has been appointed as the new head coach of the University of Maine softball program, replacing Jordan Fitzpatrick. Stiles previously coached at Holy Cross for three seasons, leading the Crusaders to a 50-100-1 record. Before that, she coached at the University of Charleston and Davis and Elkins College, amassing over 275 victories in her career.Kimberly Stiles has been appointed as the new head coach of the University of Maine softball program, replacing Jordan Fitzpatrick. Stiles previously coached at Holy Cross for three seasons, leading the Crusaders to a 50-100-1 record. Before that, she coached at the University of Charleston and Davis and Elkins College, amassing over 275 victories in her career. Stiles’ arrival coincides with a recent $9.5 million renovation of the Black Bears’ home field, Kessock Field. UMaine has not had a winning season since 2016, but Stiles is eager to turn the tide and build a successful program. Stiles was a standout softball player at the University of Pittsburgh and earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sports administration. She is known for her knowledge of the game and her dedication to supporting student-athletes both on and off the field.
Kimberly Stiles, who spent the past three seasons as head coach of the Holy Cross softball program in Worcester, Massachusetts, will attempt to turn the tide for the University of Maine softball program.
She replaces Jordan Fitzpatrick, who was fired after compiling a 29-117 record in her three seasons at the helm. Fitzpatrick, who played at UMaine from 2007 to 2010, joined head coach Mike Coutts’ staff as an assistant at UMaine in November 2015.
UMaine hasn’t had a winning season since 2016, when the Black Bears won the America East Tournament to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
UMaine went 28-21 that year.
Since then, the Black Bears have compiled a 95-186 record, including a 39-84 mark in the America East regular season.
UMaine went 5-41 last season, 1-20 in the America East and 1-2 in the league tournament hosted by the Black Bears.
UMaine has gone 9-47 in regular-season conference play over the past three seasons, but was 3-2 in the tournament two years ago.
Two years ago, UMaine’s Kessock Field underwent a $9.5 million renovation, which included the installation of an artificial turf field.
During her three seasons at Holy Cross, Stiles led the Crusaders to a 50-100-1 record, including a 14-40 mark in Patriot League regular season games.
But it was the first time in 25 years that Holy Cross won more than 50 games in a three-year span.
In her first season at Holy Cross, her Crusaders increased their batting averages and slugging percentages by more than 45 points.
She also served on several committees, including the Head Coaches Committee of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Prior to joining Holy Cross, the Thurmont, Maryland native led the University of Charleston (South Carolina) to a 141-83 record and a berth in the NCAA Division II tournament in 2017.
Three of her teams won at least 30 games.
She began her career as head coach at Davis and Elkins College (West Virginia) and amassed 135 victories in six seasons, becoming the most successful softball coach in school history.
She was an assistant coach at Division II Midwestern State (Texas) for three seasons before becoming head coach.
Stiles attended the University of Vermont for one season before transferring to the University of Pittsburgh, where she played for three seasons.
In 2007, she received her bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from Pittsburgh and in 2009 her master’s degree in kinesiology and sports administration from Midwestern State.
Stiles “showed her reputation for deep knowledge of the game and tireless work ethic in supporting students to be the best versions of themselves on and off the court. Her experience as a head coach, recruiting in the Northeast, and her desire to be with and build our program in Maine also stood out,” UMaine athletic director Jude Killy said in a press release. “We are excited to add Kimberly to our department and university.”
Stiles said she was looking forward to her new job.
“The investment in softball at the University of Maine and the energy surrounding athletics right now is truly incredible. I am grateful to Jude Killy and the entire search committee for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started,” she said in the release.
