New Falmouth girls’ basketball coach Dawn Armandi was a one-time standout player at Gray-New Gloucester High School and the University of Southern Maine and spent the previous eight seasons coaching at McAuley.

Falmouth’s girls’ basketball program has a new coach.

One who comes with quite the impressive resume.

Dawn Armandi, a former three-sport standout athlete at Gray-New Gloucester High School, two-sport star at the University of Southern Maine and assistant coach with the McAuley girls’ basketball juggernaut, was named the new coach Wednesday, incoming athletic director James Coffey announced in a press release.

“Coach Armandi is a great for Falmouth High School and our athletic program,” said Coffey, who will officially replace Cooper Higgins as Falmouth’s AD July 1. “Dawn’s experience as a player and a coach is impressive and we think she’s the right leader to take the program forward.”

Armandi replaces Mari Warner, who had a record of 50-62 in her six seasons. The Yachtsmen were 5-13 a year ago and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

“I’m excited,” said Armandi. “I had my heart set on coaching at a school close to where I live (in Portland). Falmouth is three miles from home. Falmouth is a great community and has a great school system with a lot of terrific athletes. I’ve been ready to be a varsity coach for a few years. I was just waiting for the right job to be the right fit for me.”

In high school (as Dawn Ross), Armandi played a huge role as Gray-New Gloucester won a pair of Class B softball titles. She also led the Patriots to a pair of Class B girls’ basketball state games and played soccer.

Armandi then played basketball and softball at USM.

Armandi served as the junior varsity girls’ basketball coach at McAuley under Wil Smith, Amy Vachon and Billy Goodman and also spent the past two springs as the Lions’ varsity softball coach.

“I got to coach under three different coaches at McAuley,” Armandi said. “I saw different styles and that played a huge role in my development. As a JV coach, I learned patience and that it’s not always going to go perfectly.” 

Goodman feels that his former assistant has what it takes to succeed with her own program.

“I think Dawn will do well,” Goodman said. “She was a great player and she was a great assistant for me. She relates well to the kids and works well with them. She knows the game. I’m happy for her.”

If Armandi’s life isn’t busy enough, she and her husband, Josh, are expecting their first child, a daughter, in early October.

“I’ll be on maternity leave the first half of the basketball season so I’ll have time to prep,” she said. “I’ll be home watching film.”

Armandi said she’ll need to quickly get up to speed with her new team.

“I don’t know much about the girls,” Armandi said. “I hope to bring energy. I’m able to relate to the girls. I’ve been part of successful, championship programs. I’m anxious to get involved in the feeder program. We need to get the young girls excited about Falmouth basketball.”

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.

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