Maine women’s basketball coach Amy Vachon discusses this year’s March Madness

ORONO, Maine (WABI) - Maine has ties to March Madness, whether the Black Bears are in the tournament or not.

Amy Vachon has seen Stacey Porrini Clingan’s son, Donovan, rise to a two-time national champion at UCONN.

Porrini Clingan passed away in 2018 after battling breast cancer. She was 42.

“It just seemed like when he was in the game, he dominated on both sides of the floor. She’d be so proud of him, and he’s really just an amazing young man. He came up last fall and accepted the award for her entering the hall of fame. He’s grown up to be such a great human, and I know Stacey would be so proud of him,” said Vachon.

“I worked hard. I tried to make it to a level, a very high level. I was able to make history. I know she’s smiling down on me. I know she’s happy for me. I wish she could be part of it, but I know she’s proud of me,” said Clingan.

Vachon sees how Donovan has grown up to be like his mom.

“Of course, as a player, they’re both very tall. They both play the same position. They have the same number. Just as a person, she was so loving and so caring. To see him enjoy the game, Stacey always really enjoyed playing the game. I think he does too,” said Vachon.

Meanwhile in women’s basketball, Vachon has watched Iowa’s Caitlin Clark grow the game.

“I think Caitlin Clark has done such a remarkable job of wearing that crown, being so well spoken, and being able to really appreciate what she’s gotten. She’s also paid homage to all the women who have come before,” said Vachon.

“When I think about women’s basketball going forward, obviously, it’s just going to continue to grow, whether it’s at the WNBA level, whether it’s at the college level. Everybody sees it. Everybody knows. Everybody sees the viewership numbers. When you’re given an opportunity, women’s sports just kind of thrives,” said Clark.

She says the rise of women’s basketball is showing.

“Two years ago, the women’s tournament couldn’t even use ‘March Madness.’ That wasn’t allowed. We can go on and on about the inequities of what has been going on, but I think to finally see some of that even out, I think you’re seeing the results of that,” said Vachon.

Maine continues to be connected to March Madness.

Coach Vachon helped lead Maine to an America East Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance this season.