Jason Coleman was announced as the new head coach of the Thomas College women’s basketball team on Tuesday. Contributed photo/Thomas College Athletics

A familiar face is taking over the Thomas College women’s basketball program.

The school announced Tuesday that it hired Jason Coleman as its next women’s basketball coach. Coleman previously coached the University of Maine at Augusta men’s program.

“This is one of those jobs that you have an eye on as a coach,” Coleman said. “When it opens up, you have to make sure that you pursue it and you pursue it vastly. Great facilities, a lot of good energy on campus, a lot of growth on campus. For me personally, it was an opportunity to get in at the right time and build from the ground up. We have a lot of positive things with the new (athletic) building going up. A new men’s coach (was just hired)…it’s just a great opportunity to be there from the bottom and grow (the program) up.”

Added Thomas athletic director Christopher Parsons in a statement: “I am thrilled to welcome coach Coleman to our athletics staff. He brings a wealth of experience from all levels of coaching and a passion for coaching. I look forward to watching him elevate our women’s program.”

Coleman guided the UMA program to a 3-3 mark through a COVID-19-shortened 2020-2021 season.

Prior to UMA, Coleman served as director of basketball operations under Richard Barron for the University of Maine men’s basketball program from 2018-2019.

Coleman has had success at the Maine high school level. From 2011-2018, he coached the Orono High School boys basketball team, leading it to three regional finals. In 2019, Coleman was an assistant coach for the Hermon girls basketball under Chris Cameron. That season, the Hawks went on to win the Class B North title.

Coleman takes over the program from Emily Cummins, who went 41-134 over seven full seasons. Thomas went 2-19 during the 2021-2022 season and finished the season with just eight players. Of the remaining eight, six are underclassmen. Senior guard Kaylee Ravagli was Thomas’ leading scorer during the season, averaging 15 points per game.

Coleman’s hiring completes sweeping change of the basketball programs at Thomas. Marquis Pollard was hired by Thomas on March 23 as its new men’s basketball head coach.

Dave Dyer — 621-5640

ddyer@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @Dave_Dyer