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SPRING 2026 ATHLETICS NEWSLETTER

Graduating University of Southern Maine student-athletes together at our annual Honors Night

INSIDE THE HUSKY HUDDLE

A Message from the Director


Welcome to the inaugural edition of Inside the Husky Huddle.


Much like my predecessor, Al Bean, and his well-known Bean’s Bearings newsletter, my hope is that these regular updates will keep our alumni, parents, donors, and friends connected to the people, moments, and momentum that make University of Southern Maine Athletics & Recreation so special.


Inside, you’ll find highlights from our teams, stories of our student-athletes, and updates on how your continued support creates meaningful opportunities - both in competition and across our campus.


Thank you for being an important part of the Husky community. We’re excited to share our story with you and look forward to staying connected.

John Sutyak

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreation


CONTENTS

  • Field Notes
  • In the Classroom
  • Student-Athlete Spotlights
  • Staff Announcements
  • In the News
  • Save the Date

FIELD NOTES

Back-To-Back

Men's Golf wins its second consecutive Little East Conference title. They will compete in the NCAA Championship May 12-15 in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.



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Four-for-Four

Women's Soccer wins its fourth consecutive Little East Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament against Messiah College in Grantham, Pa.








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Leader in the Clubhouse

Remy Levin wins the inaugural Little East Conference women's golf individual title and earns Player of the Year honors.





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How Sweet (Sixteen) It Is

Women's Basketball wins 20th Little East Conference title, its first since 2013, and advances to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2007.






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National Champion

Zoe Barnes wins the NCAA Division III indoor track & field shot put title in her last career meet. She was also named USTFCCCA Northeast Field Athelte of the Year, while assistant coach, Jeff Amos, was named Northeast Assistant Coach of the Year.







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Wrestling History

Senior Jake Craig wraps up his Husky career by becoming the first USM wrestler to become a three time All-American by finishing fourth at the NCAA championship.








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Track & Field Dominance

USM women's track & field swept the LEC indoor and outdoor titles. It marked the sixth consecutive conference title in both seasons for the women.


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Bashing to a Title

Baseball used its offense to slug its way to a seventh LEC championship in school history. The Huskies will host the NCAA Regional on May 15-17th.


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IN THE CLASSROOM

Huskies earn 3.269 Fall GPA


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302 USM Student-Athletes named to LEC Fall Honor Roll


Read more here

STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHTS

Kristina Yebba | Danvers, Mass./Danvers


Softball


Exercise Science major


Why did you choose USM? I chose USM because it is the single place that I can truly call my home away from home. The Exercise Science program was clearly strong, and the athletic facilities were top tier. However, what really drew me to USM was the community, which is truly unmatched. The day I stepped onto campus, I was welcomed with open arms by my future teammates, coaches, and athletic faculty. Since that day, I knew USM was the place for me. Now 4 years later, I can say with no doubt that my expectations were exceeded far beyond what I ever could've imagined.


Who is your role model? My role model is my older brother, Anthony. Since as early as I can remember, Anthony and I have been in love with sports, whether that was basketball, football, baseball, or in my case, softball. Anthony always pushed me to my limits both physically, by beating me at everything, and mentally, because I was and still am a sore loser. Anthony was the first person to comfort me when I tore my ACL in high school, and I've always remembered when he told me that I would come back better. This is something I work towards every day, and I know that no matter what, Anthony will be by my side to celebrate my wins and help me learn from my losses.


What are you most proud of as a USM student-athlete? I am most proud of my growth as a person. I have become a leader on my team, I changed my career, and I now play almost every position on the softball field. Each of these transitions allowed me to grow personally and professionally. I have everyone in the USM community to thank for being a part of my growth throughout these past 4 years.


What are you post-USM plans? I will take my Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam and will be attending Merrimack College, where I will work toward a Master's in Exercise and Sport Sciences with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning degree.

Riley Reitchel | Palermo, Maine/Erskine Academy


Women’s Soccer and Women’s Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field


Linguistics major


Why did you choose USM? Opportunity to stay in Maine and compete in multiple sports.


Who is your role model? USM alumna, and 2021 javelin national champion, Sophia Slovenski


What are you most proud of as a USM student-athlete? The growth that college athletics has given me. Through the people I’ve met, the memories I’ve made, and the lessons that I’ve learned. I feel truly blessed to have experienced being an athlete at USM. 


What are you post-USM plans? See the world!


MEET OUR NEWEST STAFF

Erin Holmes

Head Women's Golf Coach


Learn more about Erin


Jake Gagne

Assistant Athletic Trainer



Learn more about Jake


IN THE NEWS


GIVE TO USM ATHLETICS


Athletics is an important part of the University of Southern Maine. USM student-athletes excel both in the classroom and in competition, and your support helps provide the resources they need to thrive.


Your generosity will enhance athletic programs, support technological advances for our teams and department, and create opportunities for our students to achieve their full potential.


Click here to support the USM program of your choice.



SAVE THE DATES


August 10, 2026: 37th Annual Husky Golf Classic (at Poland Spring Resort)


September 27, 2026: 37th Annual Husky Hall of Fame Ceremony (at Italian Heritage Center, Portland)


(more information on each event to come later this spring/summer)


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