GORHAM, Maine  – University of Southern Maine women's basketball head coach David Chadbourne is taking a leave of absence for the upcoming academic year as announced by Director of Athletics & Recreation John Sutyak. Associate Head Coach Shea Kimball will lead the Huskies as the Interim Head Coach during the 2026-2027 season.
 
"Coach Chadbourne has our full support during his leave, and we are confident in the program's leadership as the Huskies' prepare for the upcoming season," noted Sutyak. "Our program remains in capable hands with Shea, as he has been an integral part of the program's return to the top of the Little East Conference. We are excited for this season, while simultaneously wishing the best for Coach Chadbourne."
 
A member of the Huskies' women's basketball coaching staff for the last four seasons, including the role of Associate Head Coach in 2025-2026, Kimball has helped lead the Huskies' recruiting efforts and was instrumental in guiding Southern Maine to the 2026 Little East Conference Women's Basketball Championship and to the NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen. Kimball stepped in to lead Southern Maine to an 80-57 win over UMass Dartmouth in the LEC semifinals.
 
"Our goals, work ethic and team culture will remain the same," noted Kimball. "I am excited for this opportunity and to continue to work with this group and to continue the momentum of growth we want as a program. And, I know the players are ready to get going for the upcoming season as well."
 
Chadbourne and Kimball guided Southern Maine to a record of 27-3 overall and 15-1 in the Little East Conference last season.  Husky guard Jaycie Christopher (Skowhegan, Maine) became the program's sixth WBCA All-American, while Christopher and rising junior Lucy Wiles (Glenburn, Maine/Hampden Academy) earned D3hoops.com All-Region honors.  Wiles, Christopher and rising sophomore Izzy Morelli (Gray, Maine/Gray-New Gloucester) were each honored by the Maine Women's Basketball Coaches' Association (MWBCA) with post-season honors. 
 
"Shea has been instrumental in the growth and success of this program over the last four seasons, and Huskies' women's basketball will maintain its standard under his guidance," said Chadbourne, the reigning LEC Coach of the Year. "I'm grateful to be able to take this leave knowing that Shea will provide leadership and coaching at the highest level. I look forward to being back at Hill Gym and Fifield Court when ready."
 
The Huskies claimed both the program's 22^nd regular season title and 21^st tournament championship, marking the first time the Huskies have finished atop the conference since the 2012-2013 season. Earning the LEC's bid to the NCAA tourney and its 27th overall appearance in the championship field, the Huskies advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the tournament for the first time since 2007.
 
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