ORONO — Two highlights of the Pass It Forward women’s basketball coaching clinic Oct. 1 at the University of Maine include a keynote speech by Lani Silversides, the founder of Strong Girls United, and a UMaine women’s practice led by Amy Vachon, four-time America East Coach of the Year.

A goal of the third annual clinic — which is for current and aspiring coaches — is to increase the number of women coaching at all levels in the state. 

Silversides is a New England Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, University of Vermont All-Conference player, and 2001 Maine Female Athlete of the Year. During her stellar career at York High School, she totaled 1,413 points, 1,111 rebounds, and 299 blocks. 

The former educator and coach at Phillips Academy now directs Strong Girls United, which empowers girls to be strong, confident, and resilient through sport and mental skills training.

Vachon will lead the practice for the Black Bear team — which has two returning America East Players of the Year — as it prepares for the 2023-24 season. Since 2018, the squad has won four America East regular-season titles and has made two NCAA tournament appearances.

Other highlights include Bates women’s basketball coach Alison Montgomery and Bowdoin women’s basketball coach Megan Phelps sharing on-court drills, plays, and situational strategies, which the Husson University women's squad will demonstrate.

And, Lyndie Kelley, director of strength and conditioning at the University of New England (and former Nor'easter basketball captain), will teach training techniques in the UMaine Sports Performance facility.

Sponsors include: the Emily Ellis Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Northeast Real Estate; Kennebec Savings Bank; Courtyard by Marriott; O'Connor Auto Park; and the University of Maine. 

The clinic will be held at UMaine from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1. Cost — which includes lunch — is $60 for adults and $20 for college students/players. To register, click here.