Auburn, ME - Head Women's Basketball Coach, Andrew Morong, has announced the hiring of new Assistant Coach, Abby Nielsen. A recent Thomas College graduate, Nielsen, played AAU basketball for Coach Morong while in high school, with the two staying in touch throughout her college career.

After graduating from Yarmouth High School, Nielsen played two season of basketball and softball at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, graduating with an Associates Degree in Liberal Studies. Upon graduating from SMCC, Nielsen transferred to Thomas College, where she continued her basketball and softball careers for the Terriers. Nielsen graduated in May with her Bachelors degree in Sports Managment. In her four years of playing college basketball, Nielsen played in 112 games, making 64 starts.

Coach Morong, on Nielsen's hiring, "We are absolutely thrilled to have Abby join our program. She has a lot of experience playing college basketball and is very familiar with not only the Yankee Conference, but the USCAA as well. She has a personality that others are naturally drawn to. I am sure our women are going to be able to relate to her in multiple ways, and I am excited to get her out ont he recruiting trail."

Nielsen, who will primarly work with the wing players, had this to say, "When Andrew approached me about coaching with him this year at CM, I was both honored and humbled. I have always respected him for his basketball knowledge, commitment, and his overall love of the game. He instills these same qualities in the individuals he coaches. I learned a great deal from him while playing on his AAU team in high school, especially the importance of having a willingness to compete and to push yourself beyond what you think you are capable of. CM has an outstanding women's basketball program that is recognized throughout the country for its talent and competitive nature. I feel as though we have a strong, well-rounded team this season and I could not be more excited."