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Sanford Mainers

Coaching Staff

Manager

Nic Lops

Nic Lops

Nic Lops is entering his sixth season as the head coach of the Sanford Mainers, continuing to build on his legacy of success within the NECBL. After serving as the team's hitting coach in 2019 under then-head coach Cejay Suarez, Lops took over as head coach in 2021 and has since led the Moose to three consecutive semifinal appearances, including a championship appearance in 2024. His leadership and ability to develop talent have made a lasting impact, earning him the Joel Cooney Manager of the Year award twice (2022, 2024), making him one of only two managers in NECBL history to receive the honor multiple times.

Beyond his role with the Mainers, Lops was the head coach of the Southern Maine Community College Seawolves from 2022-2024, where he dominated the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC). He was been named YSCC Coach of the Year in each of his three seasons, while leading SMCC to three straight conference championships. In his first year, he guided the Seawolves to the USCAA World Series, establishing the program as a consistent championship contender.

A standout collegiate player himself, Lops was a four-year starter at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, excelling as both a catcher and infielder. During his career, he posted a .357 batting average with 82 runs scored, 38 doubles, 3 triples, and 3 home runs. He played a key role in leading the Monks to three GNAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Following college, Lops played one season of professional baseball in the Empire Professional Baseball League and the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball (CANAM).

Lops quickly transitioned into coaching, serving as an Assistant Baseball Coach & Recruiter at Daniel Webster College during the 2016-17 season before returning to Cheverus High School (Portland, ME) as Assistant Athletic Director and baseball coach. He later became an Assistant Coach at Saint Joseph’s College, working primarily with catchers and hitters. In 2020, when the NECBL season was canceled due to COVID-19, Lops managed the Lumberjacks of the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League (GNCBL), leading them to a strong 10-8 record and a postseason semifinal appearance.

In addition to his coaching roles, Lops is Physical Education teacher at Acton Elementary School in Acton, ME and resides in Sanford with his wife and 2 kids. 

Assistant Coaches

   
   

Kobie Carter

A graduate of Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), Carter spent three seasons as an assistant coach under head coach Nic Lops, where he played an integral role in the program’s sustained success. During his tenure, SMCC captured three consecutive conference championships, highlighted by a trip to the USCAA Small College World Series. His leadership helped produce an All-American honoree and 14 Academic All-Americans, showcasing his commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.

Carter is no stranger to the Sanford Mainers organization, having previously served as a TrackMan Data Operations intern and Game-Day Operations intern over two summers. His experience with the Mainers, combined with his deep understanding of analytics and player development, makes him a valuable addition to the coaching staff.

Currently, Carter is a member of the athletics staff at Bridgton Academy, where he also serves as an assistant baseball coach for the Wolverines under Mainers General Manager Aaron Izaryk. His continued dedication to developing student-athletes and his familiarity with the New England baseball landscape position him well to contribute to the Mainers’ success this season.