GORHAM, Maine – Scott Heath has been named the 10th head coach in the 71-year history of the storied University of Southern Maine Huskies baseball program. Long-time University of Southern Maine Director of Athletics' Al Bean made the announcement after a national search.
A native of Westbrook, Maine and a former All-Conference player for the University of Maine, Heath replaces Hall of Fame coach Ed Flaherty who retired after 39 seasons in Gorham with a record of 1133-532-4, including a pair of NCAA Division III National Championship wins.
"I am very excited to welcome Scott Heath to the Huskies' coaching staff," said Bean. "Scott is an excellent successor to Coach Flaherty, and I am confident he will continue the extraordinary tradition of University of Southern Maine baseball. An outstanding student-athlete at the University of Maine, Scott has continued to impress in the collegiate coaching ranks. He possesses a tremendous love of the game, work ethic, grit and determination, and he has demonstrated his experience and success as a recruiter. I am confident that Scott has the ability to successfully lead the Huskies program into this next era, and solidify its prominence among the very best in NCAA Division III."
The Associate Head Coach for NCAA Division I UMaine Black Bears from 2023-2024, Heath played a major role in leading the Black Bears to the 2023 America East Championship. Prior to being named UMaine's Associate Head Coach, Heath was the Black Bears Recruiting Coordinator and Pitching Coach (2019-2023). Under his guidance, the 2023 Black Bears pitching staff featured the lowest earned run average (4.49) in the America East Conference. During his tenure, Heath guided six All-Conference selection, three All-Rookie team selection and one America East Pitcher of the Year.
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Heath also enjoyed a successful stint at Division III Mitchell College (2017-2019). Serving as Mitchell's Recruiting Coordinator and Pitching Coach from 2017-2018, Heath helped lead the Mariners to a 2018 NECC Championship and NCAA Regional appearance with an overall record of 31-10 and a team earned run average of 2.96 (seventh in NCAA Division III). Elevated to Associate Head Coach (2018-2019), Heath guided the Mariners to a 34-8 record, and helped develop the 2019 NECC Rookie and Pitcher of the Year.
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be the next leader of the University of Southern Maine Baseball Program," noted Heath. "I am honored to follow Coach Ed Flaherty, one of the greatest coaches in NCAA history. I am looking forward to continuing the success and development of the student-athletes on and off the field. I am excited to continue my involvement with the Maine Baseball Community where I call home."
Before his outstanding collegiate career, Heath played baseball at Westbrook High School under coach Mike Rutherford. A three-time All-State selection and the 2011 Gatorade Player of the Year, Heath went on to play for the Black Bears from 2011-2015. Serving as a team captain in 2015, and named first team All-New England in 2014, Heath earned America East All-Rookie team honors in 2012, and back-to-back first team all-conference accolades in 2014 and 2015. Following his collegiate career, Heath played professionally with the Old Orchard Beach Surge and the Joplin Blasters in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.