GORHAM, Maine -- Hans Römer, the Director of Tennis at the Portland Country Club in Falmouth, Maine, has been named the head coach of the University of Southern Maine Huskies women's tennis team in an announcement from Al Bean, Director of Athletics.

Römer, who served as the interim head coach of the Colby College men's and women's tennis programs in 2007, replaces Lori Towle who stepped down from the position to pursue other professional opportunities.

"Hans has tremendous experience on and off of the court," commented Bean. "He has been actively involved in the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and possesses a wealth of knowledge and passion for the sport. We are fortunate to have someone with Hans' credentials lead our women's tennis program."

The former USPTA Vice President for the New England Division, Römer was previously the Director of Tennis at the Bridgton (Maine) Highlands Country Club from 2005-2007 and the Pierpont Racquet Club (Ventura, Calif.) from 2001-2005 prior to his position at the Portland Country Club.

A member of several organizations, including the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), Römer has authored several tennis related articles for various publications including ADDvantage, a national publication for the USPTA and Center Court, an annual publication for the Maine Tennis Association.

Römer was named the USPTA New England Regional Pro of the Year in 2006 and was awarded USPTA national top 10 Career/Educational points in 2004 and 2006.

He earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from the CIOS Sports College in the Netherlands in 1982.