University of Maine Mourns the Loss of Stacey Porrini Clingan

Former Black Bear passes away after battle with cancer

Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine women's basketball program suffered a devastating loss on Tuesday, March 27 when Stacey Porrini Clingan left this world.

Porrini Clingan graduated from UMaine in 1997 with a degree in elementary education, a degree she used all throughout her professional career. Directly after graduation, Porinni Clingan became an elementary school teacher and to no one's surprise, she was one of the best. Just as she was with her teammates on the court and in the classroom, Porinni Clingan was a leader. She was described as the big teddy bear that had a gift of making each person feel so special, yet being able to hold them accountable for what needed to be done.

On the court, Porinni Clingan left her name all over the UMaine record books. Porinni Clingan ranks 17th on Maine's all-time scoring list (1,128), fifth in rebounding (929), and still holds UMaine record's for blocks in a single game (7) and, along with Jamie Cassidy, blocks in a single season (79). In all, Porinni Clingan was a key threat in the paint for the Black Bears as she recorded 185 blocks over her 117 game career.

Porinni Clingan did whatever her team needed her to do. She was on the first UMaine women's basketball team to make it to the NCAA Tournament (1995). After that season, Porinni Clingan helped lead the Black Bears back to the NCAA Tournament each of the next two seasons. A captain in 1997, Porinni Clingan was a three-time all-conference selection, earning a spot on the league's first team in 1997 after a pair of second team honors in 1995 and 1996.

"Stacey was a senior when I was a freshman," said current UMaine head coach Amy Vachon. "I will always remember how she took the time to get to know me and take care of me. She had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known. She was dealt a tough hand, being diagnosed with cancer at such a young age. But watching her fight was truly inspirational. Life isn't always fair, and in this case it definitely was not, but Stacey was the strongest, bravest, and kindest soul I have ever known and I am fortunate to have had her in my life. Heaven definitely gained an angel this week."

Porinni Clingan, a native of Bristol, Conn., is survived by her husband Bill and her children, Donovan and Olivia.

-UMaine-

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