Southern Maine finds next head basketball coach in Rob Sanicola
PORTLAND, Maine (BVM) — Southern Maine (USM) would have a big hole to fill this offseason after the program received word that long-time coach Karl Henrikson would call it a career after 18 seasons heading the program. Now, almost two months later, the Huskies have officially found their next man.
Coming over from nearby St. Joseph’s College, Rob Sanicola will be tasked with continuing the blueprint that Henkrison had helped create.
“We are very excited to welcome Rob Sanicola to our staff as our next men’s basketball coach,” USM athletic director Al Bean said. “Rob brings a wealth of basketball experience as a head coach at the college level, as a clinician and as a camp director. He is an innovator on the court in his approach to the game and is a continual student of basketball, always striving to get better and improve the way the game is taught.”
The switch to Southern Maine marks an end of an era for not just the team’s former head coach, but also its upcoming coach. Sanicola has led the St. Joseph’s since his arrival in 2003, earning Coach of the Year honors seven times throughout his tenure. In his 18 seasons with the Monks, Sanicola led the program to a record of 275-190 and made the Great Northeast Athletic Conference postseason from 2008-on.
With a string of recent down seasons for the Huskies, Sanicola is hoping to be a part of the team’s upswing. After the long-run with SJC, Sanicola is ready for the upcoming challenge that presents itself at Southern Maine.
“I’m excited to get to work and for this new opportunity, and I am looking forward to immersing myself into the University of Southern Maine community,” Sanicola said. “I’m eager to get started, to get to know the team, and to begin establishing the long and short-term goals necessary for Huskies men’s basketball to fulfill its potential.
“The University of Southern Maine and this Athletic Department has a proud tradition of success on-and-off of the field of competition … As head coach of the men’s basketball program, I welcome being part of that journey.”
With only a six-game campaign last spring, Sanicola will get an opportunity with a much more regular upcoming season. The Huskies and their new head coach will open the year at Thomas College this November.
