As part of a plan to eliminate $8.8 million from its budget, Maine will cut women’s volleyball and men’s soccer, effective June 30. Athletics Director Blake James called the decision “the option of last resort.”

“We place a high value on the opportunities that all of our sports create for our student-athletes, and we recognize the commitment of coaches, support staff and fans,” James said. “We have taken these steps after exhausting every feasible option for managing these unprecedented budget challenges.”

The school will honor its scholarship commitments to current student-athletes who wish to pursue their degree at Maine. Prospective student-athletes who have signed a National Letter of Intent to play either men’s soccer or women’s volleyball will receive one year of scholarship funding if they choose to attend Maine.

Officials estimate they will save about $600,000 in 2009-10 with eventual ongoing annual savings exceeding $900,000.

“Like every institution, business and family, Maine is faced with very significant financial challenges that require substantial responses,” said school President Robert Kennedy. “We regret the impact of this move on those individuals, especially our students, who are affected by this decision.”