Mount St. Mary’s hires Maine’s Liis Abbott as women’s soccer head coach

EMMITSBURG, Md. – Mount St. Mary’s University has hired Liis Abbott to become head coach of the women’s soccer program. A native of Estonia, Abbott comes to Emmitsburg from the University of Maine, where she served as an Associate Head Coach for the Black Bears, who were back-to-back champions in the America East for 2023 and 2024.

“I am beyond grateful to be named Mount St. Mary’s next Women’s Soccer Head Coach. Thank you to Athletic Director Brad Davis, President Joyce and Mark Vandergrift for this exciting opportunity. I am honored to be trusted to lead this program and truly believe we have a bright future ahead.” Abbott said.

Abbott spent the past nine seasons at Maine, working under longtime head coach Scott Atherley. In that span, the Black Bears notched 59 victories and 23 draws, but the past three seasons were the most successful. Winning the conference championship game on home turf both seasons, Maine knocked off UMass Lowell in an overtime thriller in 2023, and New Hampshire in a shutout in 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome Liis and her husband Cody to the Mount and to Maryland,” said Director of Athletics Brad Davis. “Liis is a rising star in women’s soccer. Her tactical knowledge, championship pedigree, and commitment to the student-athlete experience will spearhead the beginning of a new era of Mount St. Mary’s women’s soccer.”

Working on the America East Coaching Staff of the Year for 2023 and 2024, Abbott and the staff were responsible in recruiting and training two-time All-American Abby Kraemer, who was also America East Striker of the Year. Seven Black Bears made All-Conference honors, including First Team selections Kraemer, Kristina Kelly, and Myla Schneider. That trio along with Lara Kirkby received All-Atlantic Regional honors as well.

In addition to her accolades at Maine, Abbott served as Head Coach for Seacoast United Maine from 2016-2020 and again in 2022. During her ultimate year, she guided the 2007/08 girls team to a Maine State Championship. Before coaching alongside Atherley, she played three seasons as a member of the Black Bears from 2012-14.

Abbott will be the ninth coach in the history of the Mount St. Mary’s program. The fall 2025 season begins in August.