Kennebunk star, former Miss Maine Basketball, named captain at Providence College

PROVIDENCE — Erin Batth’s transition into her first role as a women’s head basketball coach has been made easier thanks to the presence of junior Emily Archibald from Kennebunk, Maine.

After 17 years as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level, Batth took over the helm of the Providence College women’s basketball team in March, replacing Jim Crowley.

“Emily is by far one of our best leaders,” Batth said. “Her voice and everything she says is awesome, especially being a first-time coach and trying to get the morale of the team going and getting accountability. She is a great leader.”

Archibald, a junior forward/center, was recently named one of the team captains.

“We’re talking about basketball, but I’ve got to make sure I say that because I lean on her for a lot of things,” Batth said. “She’s like a sounding board (for me) for what the team is doing. I do trust her instincts. She’s great. She’s a lot of fun to be around.”

Archibald came to Providence in 2021 after a highly decorated career at Kennebunk High School. She scored more than 1,000 career points and pulled down over 1,000 rebounds for the Rams, while twice being named Maine’s Gatorade Player of the Year. In 2021, she was selected Miss Maine Basketball.

In her first two seasons with Providence, Archibald played in 56 games with 23 starts. She averaged 19.3 minutes per game, 4.3 points and 2.1 rebounds. Last year the Friars went 13-19 overall, including 4-16 in the Big East Conference. They lost in the first round of the Big East Tournament to DePaul, 67-54.

For Archibald, it’s been a great learning experience.

“It’s just a different game,” she said. “A different flow. It’s a faster game. Everyone is stronger. Everyone is bigger. It’s definitely a different pace of the game.”

Archibald had no expectations coming in as a freshman.

“I was just trying to be hard working, play defense, and do whatever I can on offense,” she said. “Just be vocal and a great teammate. That’s what I tried to do.”

Batth likes how Archibald is fitting in as a player as well.

“She’s a very versatile player,” her coach said. “She can shoot the 3. She’s been playing the post for us. She’s not so much a 5, more as a 4. She’s a good shooter on the perimeter. In transition though, she can get to the block early. I like that. She can score in the block. She’s not the quickest player, but she’s strong and she’s effective. She has a good IQ. She’s definitely been able to grasp the offenses that I’ve put in – we have quite a few. She’s able to make the extra pass that we need.”

Batth added that Archibald is the player who inbounds the ball on the press, helping to bring the ball up the court.

“I’m excited about her,” the coach said. “I really am. More so when things get down, she’s always positive. It’s going to be a journey for us.”

Batth said Archibald brings a great work ethic.

“She thrives with challenge,” the coach said. “I challenge the team all the time. We practiced today (Saturday). I got on them like crazy. She thrives in that situation.”

The coach talked about The Program, which is used to unify and toughen the team. Two ex-Navy Seals take over the team and talk about leadership and hard obstacles.

“She just thrived,” Batth said of Archibald. “They picked her out of the whole team for the one award they give because she is a good leader. She doesn’t kowtow to deal with adversity. We’re really blessed to have her.”

Archbald welcomes the extra responsibility as a captain.

“I remember being a freshman. I always looked up to the upperclassmen,” she said. “I wanted to fill that role this year. I really want to try and help the team as best I can.”

She’s been able to do that with the five incoming freshmen, four of whom were recruited by the previous coach.

“They didn’t know me, and I didn’t know them,” Batth said. “Everyone is new. So, Emily has bridged the gap between that; not just athletics, but class, conditioning, and community service. Their whole world has been turned upside down but in a good way. It’s just life and time management is huge. She’s played a huge role; the freshmen lean on her quite a bit. She’s been great.”

It’s a new season for the Friars, who are trying to turn things around. They have had one winning season in the last 10 and ended last year with nine straight losses.

“I expect us to be a good defending team,” said Batth. “I do expect us to hang and get some wins. I have high expectations for that. But I do know it is the first year. I am new. We’re all trying to get it together. I believe that when we practice at a high pace, anything can happen.”

Archibald feels good about what is in store.

“I’m really excited for this season. The new coaches are incredible,” she said. “I’m really excited to play with this group of girls. I’m looking forward to what we can do this season.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Kennebunk star Emily Archibald is a captain for Providence basketball