New coach takes over CAHS softball program
MARS HILL, Maine — When varsity softball got underway recently at Central Aroostook High School, a new face was presiding over the workouts.
Audra Kirk has taken over for Ryan Guerrette, who had coached the team for five years while also serving as the district’s athletic director. He resigned from both positions last July.
Kirk is employed by the district as a fourth-grade teacher at Fort Street Elementary School. She is a 2015 University of Maine at Presque Isle graduate who as a student coached multiple sports at the sub-varsity level at SAD 1 in Presque Isle, including softball. She was also an assistant coach for the UMPI softball team for one season and last fall, she coached the Easton girls’ varsity soccer team.
Kirk played varsity softball at LCS/MSSM in Limestone, but injuries cut her career short. SAD 42 Athletic Administrator Ty Thurlow was impressed with her background in the sport.
“It was her experience and passion for the game that truly sold us on her as our next coach here at Central Aroostook,” Thurlow said.
Kirk inherits a Panther team that was a perennial playoff contender under Guerrette.
“There seems to be a good group of girls who are eager to play,” she said. “I’m bringing some dynamic drills and consistency to the program and will push the girls to their best potential.”
Many of the players were part of the basketball team that advanced to the Class D championship game in February and Kirk said this could be an advantage.
“I’m hoping that success and the excitement from the winter will trickle into our season,” she said, “and I hope the girls are ready for a lot of hard work and ready to thrive as a team.”
