FARMINGTON, Maine — The University of Maine at Farmington Department of Athletics is saddened to announce the passing of former Physical Education faculty member, Athletics Hall of Famer and women's basketball pioneer Estella McLean.
McLean dedicated her life to athletics, particularly women's sports. She was a longtime coach at UMF, serving as head coach of the field hockey, women's basketball, and softball teams from 1966 to 1985. Prior to her tenure at the University, McLean coached field hockey, girls' basketball, and softball at Farmington High School from 1954 to 1960.
Beyond coaching, McLean continued to share her passion for athletics through officiating. She served as an official in field hockey and basketball from 1960 to 1975, while also teaching classes and training new officials.
A graduate of New Gloucester High School, Class of 1950, McLean finished her playing career with 2,161 points, a mark that still ranks third in the state for career points by a female high school player. She capped her high school career with a 73-game winning streak. Notably, her New Gloucester High team, which had only 20 female students in the entire school, defeated South Portland High School, a school with over 550 female students. McLean scored 31 points in that game.
Following her playing days, McLean and colleagues from across the state helped establish the first intercollegiate women's basketball league in Maine and founded the women's basketball program at the University of Maine at Farmington.
In 1971, along with fellow UMF Hall of Famer Len MacPhee, McLean created the University of Maine at Farmington Basketball Camp for Girls. She ran the camp for 12 years, providing a space for young athletes to develop their skills and, for McLean, an opportunity to share her love of the game with the next generation.
McLean's influence on girls' basketball extended far beyond coaching. In 1975, she was one of the driving forces petitioning the Maine Principals' Association to reinstate the state tournament for girls' basketball. Thanks in large part to McLean's efforts, girls' basketball in Maine has blossomed into the inclusive and thriving community it is today.
Her achievements have been recognized throughout Maine and New England, as reflected in the many honors she received. McLean was inducted into the UMF Athletics Inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1995, enshrined in the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport (1993), named to the Maine High School Coaches Association Honor Roll (1991), and inducted into the Northeast Women's Sports Organization Hall of Fame. She was also part of the inaugural Maine Basketball Hall of Fame class in 2014, honored as a Legend of the Game.
McLean's impact and trailblazing legacy will continue to inspire generations in Farmington and across the state.
Click HERE to read her full obituary.
