SMCC Hires Knights for Assistant Athletic Director and Women’s Basketball Appointment
South Portland – Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is pleased to announce the addition of Julia Knights who will fill the position of Assistant Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach. Knights will be tasked with the department’s sports information duties, social media and web based promotions, as well as leading the women’s basketball program.
“I’m very pleased at Julia’s decision to be part of the Seawolves family,” stated SMCC Director of Athletics and Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Matt Richards. “Her prior experience along with her energy and enthusiasm will be an outstanding fit for our college and one that I’m looking forward to working alongside.”
Knights graduated from Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) in 2007. She played for SMCC alumnus Craig Dagan. Upon graduation Dagan tabbed her for his staff as Knights joined the coaching ranks in 2008. Upon completing that one season at MMA, she then moved to the Boston area where she coached one season each at Wentworth Institute of Technology and Lasalle College. In 2012, she moved to Florida and joined the Johnson and Wales College staff where she served as Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach and focused on the programs recruitment of student athletes.
“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to join the SMCC Athletics program and looking forward to being a part of the staff that provides an outstanding small college program,” stated Knights.
Knights will be the sixth head coach of the women’s program that has seen multiple years of success. Most recently the program has made back to back Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) Elite Eight tournament appearance. Prior to that, the Seawolves won the 2011 YSCC Championship and earned a trip to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Tournament.
Knights will also serve as the Assistant Athletic Director for the department. Within that role she will be administering the department’s entire sports information duties with specific emphasis on website development, social media platforms, maintaining statistical data, and assisting with the daily operations of the Athletics program.
“The committee along with myself were very impressed with the ideas and background that Julia presented when discussing the Assistant Athletic Director duties and role,” stated Richards. “I feel she will make a great partner with me and the other staff members in our continued efforts in providing a top quality athletic experience to the student athletes.”
Knights appointment will begin in July.