FARMINGTON, Maine — University of Maine at Farmington Director of Athletics Jamie Beaudoin is pleased to announce the hiring of Anne Rockwell as the University's next Director of Snowsports and Head Alpine Coach.
"We are thrilled to add Anne to our coaching staff and have her lead our snowsports program as it continues to grow and flourish. Her time coaching at Gould Academy and Carrabassett Valley Academy, as well as her collegiate racing experience at Bates, have given her invaluable insight into all facets of the sport that will seamlessly transfer to our student-athletes. Her passion for skiing and for mentoring athletes was evident throughout the interview process, and we are confident she will provide our athletes with a meaningful and positive experience," said Beaudoin.
Rockwell will assume the position during the second full week of October, succeeding longtime Director of Snowsports Andrew Willihan, who departed prior to the 2025 race season. Karen Finocchio served as interim head alpine coach during the 2025 season, helping the Beavers qualify for the USCSA National Championship.
A native of Greenville, Maine, Rockwell has been immersed in skiing her entire life. She graduated from Carrabassett Valley Academy (CVA) before competing as a four-year member of the Bates College alpine ski team. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Bates in 2015.
Following graduation, Rockwell began her coaching career at Gould Academy, where she was named Head Alpine Coach in 2014 and served in that role for five years. During her tenure, she coached athletes on both the USSA and FIS circuits, further deepening her passion for ski racing and the industry as a whole.
In 2020, Rockwell became the Outdoor Program Director at Saddleback Mountain, where she took on a variety of roles, most notably identifying community needs and developing programs to meet them. Under her leadership, Saddleback expanded year-round employment opportunities, created new programming such as an after-school initiative, and strengthened its community outreach efforts. Rockwell also supported the mountain's race program and led guided hikes and nature education programs.
Since 2022, Rockwell has served as an assistant coach at Carrabassett Valley Academy, working under Head Coach Kirk Dwyer and primarily coaching the U16 alpine race team.
Throughout her career, Rockwell's passion for the sport has continued to grow, along with a coaching philosophy shaped by her family's non-profit organization, the Red Eagle Ski Foundation, which provides ski racing opportunities for youth in northern and central Maine. "Skiing is a sport that brings together people from diverse backgrounds," Rockwell said. "I am passionate about providing equal opportunities for athletes to pursue their dreams and keeping skiing accessible to all. UMF also offers several career-focused majors that can help student-athletes build a future within the industry, beyond coaching."
Above all, Rockwell is eager to get started with her new team. "I am excited to be part of this program," she said. "Although skiing is often viewed as an individual sport, I want to foster a team-oriented culture that brings together all three disciplines. I look forward to working with a passionate, driven group of athletes and helping them channel that energy toward success."
