FARMINGTON, Maine – University of Maine at Farmington Director of Athletics Jamie Beaudoin is pleased to announce the hiring of Kiana Thompson and Callie Hammer as Co-Head Coaches for the 2026 softball season.

Thompson and Hammer step into the role vacated following the departure of Alyssa Williamson, who was at the helm for the past four seasons.

"Kiana and Callie have been valuable members of our athletic community for the past decade as athletes and as assistant coaches. We are very thankful to have them step into this role and continue to provide our athletes with a meaningful student-athlete experience. Their flexibility and willingness to take on this challenge exemplify and speak volumes about who they are as people, and we are extremely grateful to have them," Beaudoin said of Thompson and Hammer.

Thompson, a native of Industry, Maine, is a 2018 graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington, earning a degree in Community Health Education with a minor in Coaching. She has served as a kindergarten through 12th-grade physical education teacher in RSU 9 since 2020 and will maintain her role as a PE teacher while taking over the reins of the softball program for the 2026 season.

Thompson has been an assistant coach with the softball program since 2018, serving under Williamson since 2021 and under Kat McKay for the three seasons prior. She has primarily worked with the outfielders during her time as an assistant, as well as created the team's strength and conditioning program. Prior to being named an assistant coach, Thompson played four seasons for the Beavers, serving as the team's starting left fielder in each of her four seasons with the program.

"Being part of this program as an athlete and as an assistant coach, I know the work it takes to reach the end goal. A mentor once told me, 'get comfortable being uncomfortable,' and that is a phrase that has stayed with me and something that I will bring forward into this role. Stepping in as a co-head coach this season is not something I had anticipated, but I am ready to take this challenge head-on. There are definite uncertainties, but it will be our job as coaches to foster personal and team growth, build resiliency, and create a path to achieve our season goals. The future for this program is bright, and I am thrilled to continue to help guide this group forward," Thompson added.

Hammer, a native of Ellsworth, Maine, graduated from UMF in 2022 with a degree in Special Education and a minor in Coaching. She is currently a Functional Life Skills teacher at Mill Stream Elementary School as part of MSAD 54 and has served in that role since January 2022. Following her graduation, Hammer has served as an assistant women's soccer coach for the Beavers, primarily working with the goalkeepers.

During her time as an athlete, Hammer played three seasons as a catcher and first baseman on the softball team and was a four-year starting goalkeeper on the soccer team.

Entering her first year coaching softball, Hammer is excited to continue providing an impactful experience for student-athletes. "Being at UMF and a part of the greater Farmington community has been some of the best years of my life. I have been able to create lifelong relationships and memories while staying connected to sports that have been an integral part of my life. I hope to provide these athletes with similar experiences—ones that will stay with them for the rest of their lives," Hammer said.

Williamson vacated the role after being hired as the Head Softball Coach at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire. Williamson amassed a 48-71 record during her four-year stint in Farmington, including a 23-18 record in North Atlantic Conference (NAC) action. She was tabbed the NAC Coach of the Year following the 2024 season in which the Beavers went 19-11 overall and returned to the playoffs after a five-year hiatus. Last season, Farmington returned to the playoffs once again and advancing through, winning a pair of game to make their deepest playoff run in recent memory.

Thompson and Hammer will serve as Co-Head Coaches for the duration of the 2026 season. Following the conclusion of the season, a national search will begin as the University looks for its next full-time head coach.