May 15, 2000 8:03 PM AP

ORONO, Maine (AP) Sharon Versyp, an assistant coach at James Madison, was selected as head women's basketball coach at the University of Maine on Monday.

Versyp replaces Joanne Palombo-McCallie, who left to take the head coaching position at Michigan State after eight seasons with the Black Bears.

Versyp, 34, was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at James Madison for three seasons during which the Dukes had a combined record of 47-41.

Versyp, who also worked as an assistant coach at Louisville, was a standout point guard for Purdue, graduating in 1989.

Palombo-McCallie guided the Black Bears to a 167-73 record and six NCAA tournament appearances, including a 62-57 loss to North Carolina in the first round last season.

Palombo-McCallie's teams won 20 games for seven straight seasons, including a 20-11 mark last season. During Palombo-McCallie's tenure, attendance for games reached an all-time high as the Black Bears averaged 3,310 fans per game last season.

The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without prior written authority of The Associated Press.