The University of Maine has hired Deb Smith as its head softball coach.

Smith was head coach at the University of Rhode Island for the past three seasons. Prior to that, Smith coached at Maine from 1999-2004. In 2004, Maine won the America East championship and played in the NCAA Regional tournament.

Smith was named America East coach of the year in 2002 and played at Maine from 1991-1994. She is a member of the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

Smith replaces Stacey Sullivan, whose contract was not renewed after the 2008 season.