Kevin Oates

Hey there bub. I’m Kevin (‘Oatesy’ around the office), the Graphic Designer for Hearts of Pine, and newest member to join this team of loveable misfits. From merchandise to signage and social media, if it’s got graphics on it, I’m your guy. Though I joined the team in May 2025, I’ve been a “Mainer” since 2012. Growing up in proper upstate NY, I would spend my Winter and Summer breaks in Ogunquit visiting my grandparents who have been living in Maine since the 1950’s. I fell in love with Maine, and decided to pursue my undergraduate degree at USM for Music Education in 2004. If you’re asking how a Music Education guy became the graphic designer for Maine’s first professional soccer club, I’ll quickly sum it up.

From teaching GK-12 orchestra to founding & leading Maine Youth Rock Orchestra (some of you may have met me that way), orchestra has always been passion numero uno. Though when it came to needing a graphic designer and not being able to afford one while starting MYRO, I took it upon myself to learn what it takes to be a great graphic designer by studying and practice, and fell head over heels for design (definitely fell a lot first though). In 2020 I launched my own business, Pinky Swear Design Co., providing quality branding and design services for small businesses & nonprofits in Maine. 

And now here we are, bringing visual life to The Soccer Club of Maine. Though I’m from away, Maine is my home (minus a 4-year expedition to NYC teaching), and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the story that the Hearts are telling, on and off the pitch. 

Fun Facts to Know: 

• Cellist of 35 years
• Grew up on a sheep farm
• I’m a Manchester United fan 
• Performed with Disturbed, Guster, Yellowcard, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Vanna, Ghost of Paul Revere and more
• Played soccer for 5 years and never scored a goal. I was that good.