WATERVILLE — It was her previous experience in athletic administration that drew Heidi Bernier to the Waterville Senior High School athletic director’s job.

“At Thomas (College), the focus was always on a positive experience for the student-athlete, and that will be the same at Waterville,” Bernier said.

Bernier replaces Doug Frame, who left to become an assistant principal at Waterville Junior High School. Frame served in the position since 2001.

A Skowhegan native, Bernier was the field hockey coach and athletic director at Thomas College for four years. Bernier also has experience working in Waterville’s Parks and Recreation Department. Most recently, Bernier worked in the classroom with the Jobs For Maine Graduates program, at Gardiner Area High School.

“I’ve got big shoes to fill,” Bernier said. “Doug Frame did a great job.”

A graduate of Thomas College and Skowhegan Area High School, Bernier said she was also attracted to the job because it was a chance to work in Waterville again.

“Waterville is kind of like a second home to me,” Bernier said.

Bernier’s official first day is next Monday. One of the first things on her to do list is find a new girls basketball coach. Ted Rioux, who led the Purple Panthers to three consecutive undefeated state championships seasons from 2007-09, resigned earlier this month to become head women’s basketball coach at Thomas College.

“On Monday, I’ll find out what I need to prioritize,” Bernier said. “Replacing Coach Rioux certainly will be one of those things.”

As a student at Thomas College, Bernier was named the Thomas Female Student Athlete of the Year in 1994, and was an NAIA Division II academic All-American in 1995 and 1996. As the Terriers’ field hockey coach, Bernier was named the Maine Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2000.

Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242

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