ORONO, Maine – The University of Maine women's soccer team and head coach Scott Atherley announced the addition of Lara Kirkby and Kristina Kelly to the team.
 
Lara Kirkby, hailing from Adelaide, Australia, arrives at UMaine from The University of Oregon, member of the PAC 12.  Kirkby appeared in 10 games for the Ducks in 2022, playing a season high 49 minutes vs. Texas.  At Oregon, Kirkby was named to the College Sports Communicators Women's Soccer Academic All-District Team following the 2022 season.
 
Prior to Oregon, Kirkby made her W-league (National League Australia) debut with Adelaide United in November 2018 as a 16-year-old.  She was named one of Australia's top 20 age group players at the 2019 national championship.
 
Kirkby plans to major in Biochemistry at Maine.  She has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
 
Lincolnville, Maine native, Kristina Kelly transfers to UMaine having played three seasons at Central Connecticut State University, where she was a two-time All-Northeast Conference First-Team selection.  In 2022, Kelly tied for the team lead in goals (6) and was second in total points (14).  Kelly was also named to the Northeast Conference All-Rookie Team following the 2020-2021 season.  Academically, Kelly was a three-time Northeast Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll selection.  Following the 2022 season, Kelly was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Soccer Team. 
 
Prior to CCSU, Kelly was a 3-time High School All-American at Camden Hills High Regional High School.  In 2019, Kelly was named the United Soccer Coaches National High School Player of the Year.
 
Kelly plans to major in Microbiology at Maine.  She has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Lara and Kris to our team at mid-year", stated coach Athlerley. They are exceptional student-athletes and even better people. They will both make an immediate impact on and off the field as members of our program and in the community. We couldn't be more pleased that they have decided to bring their talents to UMaine". 
 
-UMaine-