Imagine a basketball court filled with talent and history, where the University of Maine's women's basketball team shines bright. Five incredible athletes have left an indelible mark on the America East conference over the last 25 years.
Stepping onto the court, we meet Heather Ernest, a forward with an impressive scoring record. Alongside her are the dynamic guards Kim Corbitt, Blanca Millan, Anne Simon, and Sigi Koizar. These women not only represent UMaine but also stand as some of the best players in the America East, a conference that has seen its fair share of basketball greatness.
But here's where it gets controversial: UMaine isn't alone in this elite group. Albany and Vermont also boast five players each on this prestigious list. Meanwhile, Hartford, Boston University, and Binghamton have fewer representatives, with Stony Brook and New Hampshire each contributing one standout player.
And this is the part most people miss: Hartford, BU, and Stony Brook have since left the America East conference, making the achievements of these players even more remarkable.
To be considered for this list, players had to showcase their skills over at least two seasons from 2000-01 to 2024-25, earning all-league honors twice. It's a testament to their consistency and impact on the court.
Now, let's dive into the extraordinary careers of these UMaine women:
Anne Simon, a native of Sandweiler, Luxembourg, is a scoring machine. She's the school's fifth-leading all-time scorer with 1,982 points, averaging an impressive 15.2 points per game. Her defensive prowess is equally notable, with 280 steals, ranking fifth in school history. Simon's versatility shines through her 721 rebounds, placing her in the top 10 all-time at UMaine. She's a four-time All-America East selection and was named the league's Rookie of the Year, solidifying her status as a legend in the making.
Blanca Millan, from Santiago de Compostela, Spain, is another scoring sensation. She's sixth on UMaine's all-time scoring list with 1,974 points and 13th in the America East. Her career averages of 15.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game are impressive, but it's her defensive skills that truly stand out. Millan graduated as the school's second-leading thief with 324 steals and third in 3-pointers with 216. She was a three-time All-America East first-team and all-defensive team selection, solidifying her place among the conference's elite.
Kim Corbitt, a two-time America East Defensive Player of the Year, is a true assist master. She's fourth on the school's career assists list with 436, showcasing her court vision and passing abilities. Corbitt's career averages of 7 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game are a testament to her all-around game.
Heather Ernest, a Farmington native, is a scoring powerhouse. She's seventh on UMaine's all-time scoring list with 1,804 points, averaging an impressive 15.7 points per game. Her rebounding skills are equally impressive, averaging 9 rebounds per game. Ernest's accolades include being a two-time America East Player of the Year and a three-time first-team selection, solidifying her place among the conference's best.
Sigi Koizar, a native of Vienna, Austria, who attended Stearns High School in Millinocket as an exchange student, is a scoring sensation. She's the ninth-leading scorer in UMaine's program history with 1,671 points. Over her career, she averaged 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Koizar's 3-point shooting is exceptional, hitting 186 threes, which ranks sixth all-time. She also holds the school's single-season record for threes with 85.
These women have not only left their mark on the UMaine program but have also etched their names into the history of the America East conference. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, talent, and dedication to the game.
So, what do you think? Are these women among the best America East basketball players of the last 25 years? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this impressive group of athletes.
