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Adrianna Smith's Unwavering Commitment: A Triumphant Return to the Court

2024-10-31

Adrianna Smith, a two-time All-America East basketball player, has made the "easy" decision to return for a fifth season at the University of Maine, despite missing the upcoming season due to a knee injury. Her dedication to the team and the positive experiences she has had so far have solidified her choice to continue her collegiate career.

Unwavering Dedication and a Chance to Finish Strong

A Lifelong Commitment to the Black Bears

Adrianna Smith, a six-foot forward from Reston, Virginia, has been a integral part of the University of Maine women's basketball team since her freshman year. The team, she says, "means everything" to her, and the prospect of leaving without playing a final season was simply unthinkable. "I couldn't really imagine leaving without playing a season when I had a chance to have another one," Smith explained, highlighting her deep-rooted connection to the program.

Overcoming Adversity with Resilience

Despite the setback of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, which required surgery on October 18th, Smith remains undeterred. "Everything went great," she said, reflecting on the successful procedure. This injury, however, will sideline her for the upcoming season, a reality that Smith acknowledges is difficult. "It sucks not to be able to play the final year with the senior classmates I came to UMaine with," she admitted, referring to her close-knit group of teammates.

A Chance to Mentor and Lead

Yet, Smith's unwavering commitment to the team extends beyond her own playing time. She is excited to continue supporting her teammates, particularly the juniors Jaycie Christopher, Sarah Talon, and sophomore Caroline Dotsey, with whom she looks forward to playing again. "Dots, Jaycie, and Sarah will still be here, and I'm excited to play with them again," she said, showcasing her desire to mentor the younger players and contribute to the team's success in a different capacity.

A Collaborative Decision with Coaching Staff

Head coach Amy Vachon played a crucial role in Smith's decision-making process, making it clear that the choice to return was entirely up to the player. "Coach Vachon made it clear that the decision on whether or not to come back was all Smith's," the article states, highlighting the collaborative nature of the decision. Vachon expressed the program's excitement to have Smith back, acknowledging her as "a great player and a great person" whose career deserves a different ending.

A Shared Setback and a Collective Comeback

Smith's injury is not the only one affecting the Maine basketball team this season. Incoming freshman Maddie Fitzpatrick, the two-time Maine schoolgirl Gatorade Player of the Year, will also miss the season due to a knee injury sustained during an August practice session. Fitzpatrick, however, is reported to be recuperating well from her surgery, providing a glimmer of hope for the team's future.As Adrianna Smith embarks on her fifth and final season with the University of Maine, her unwavering dedication, resilience, and leadership will undoubtedly inspire her teammates and the entire program. Her decision to return, despite the challenges, is a testament to her love for the game and her commitment to the Black Bears. With the support of her coaches and teammates, Smith's comeback story is poised to be one of triumph and inspiration, leaving a lasting legacy on the court and in the hearts of the Maine basketball community.

As the college basketball season rapidly approaches, the Notre Dame women's team is making waves with a slew of preseason accolades. With six players earning recognition on prestigious award watch lists, the Irish are primed to make a statement on the national stage.

Elevating the Game: Notre Dame's Standout Performers Earn Prestigious Honors

Orchestrating the Offense: Hidalgo and Miles Earn Point Guard of the Year Nod

The Notre Dame women's basketball team boasts a dynamic duo at the point guard position, with both Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles earning a spot on the prestigious Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Award watch list. These two talented floor generals will be the driving force behind the Irish's offensive firepower, orchestrating the team's attack with precision and vision. Hidalgo, a rising star, showcases her playmaking abilities and court awareness, while the experienced Miles brings a veteran presence and a knack for making her teammates better. Together, they form a formidable backcourt that will be a nightmare for opposing defenses to handle.

Sniping from the Perimeter: Citron Earns Shooting Guard of the Year Nomination

Sonia Citron, the sharpshooter from Notre Dame, has been recognized for her prowess on the offensive end by earning a spot on the Ann Meyers-Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year Award watch list. Citron's ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc will be a crucial asset for the Irish, as she can stretch the defense and create open looks for her teammates. Her consistent scoring touch and clutch performances have made her a go-to option for the team, and this preseason honor is a testament to her hard work and dedication to honing her craft.

Dominating the Paint: Westbeld, Karlen, and King Earn Power Forward of the Year Nod

The Notre Dame frontcourt is a force to be reckoned with, as three players – Maddy Westbeld, Liza Karlen, and Liatu King – have been named to the Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year Award watch list. These three versatile forwards bring a unique blend of size, strength, and skill to the table, making them a nightmare for opposing teams to handle. Westbeld's all-around game, Karlen's relentless energy, and King's defensive prowess will be crucial in establishing the Irish's presence in the paint and controlling the boards. Their collective dominance in the frontcourt will be a key factor in Notre Dame's success this season.

Embracing the Challenge: Head Coach Niele Ivey Excited for the Season Ahead

Head coach Niele Ivey has expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming season, highlighting the team's depth and the return of key players like Olivia Miles and Cass Prosper. Ivey's comments after the team's exhibition win over Davenport showcase her confidence in the squad's ability to compete at the highest level. "It was just a lot of great basketball. Really good basketball, the pace was great. . . Got a lot of different contributions from a lot of different players. Had almost a triple-double from a couple different players, so really pleased with the effort and excited to get back to work and prepare for our home opener," Ivey said.

Tipping Off the Season: Notre Dame Prepares for Home Opener Against Mercyhurst

The Irish will open their regular season at home on Monday, November 7th, as they welcome Mercyhurst to Purcell Pavilion. This early-season matchup will be the first of just two home games for Notre Dame in the month of November, setting the stage for a challenging but exciting start to the campaign. With the team's wealth of talent and the high expectations surrounding them, the Irish faithful will be eager to see their squad in action and witness the potential of this talented roster.

The University of Minnesota has secured a significant commitment for its 2025 recruiting class, landing highly-touted wing Jacob Ross. The 6'6" small forward from the Los Angeles area has chosen to join the Gophers, turning down offers from several other top programs.

A Versatile Talent Joins the Gophers

Introducing Jacob Ross: A Rising Star

Jacob Ross, a three-star prospect in the 2025 class, has decided to take his talents to the University of Minnesota. The 6'6", 170-pound wing hails from the SoCal Academy in the Los Angeles area and has been making waves on the recruiting circuit. With offers from the likes of Kansas State, VCU, and Old Dominion, Ross has ultimately chosen to commit to the Gophers, becoming the second 2025 recruit to join Ben Johnson's program.

A Highly-Ranked Recruit with Versatility

According to 247Sports, Ross is ranked as a top-200 player in the country for his class, boasting an impressive 0.91 composite grade. His commitment to the Gophers marks the second 2025 recruit for the program, joining three-star Philadelphia wing Kai Shinholster, who committed earlier in September. With these two additions, Minnesota's 2025 recruiting class is currently ranked eighth among Big Ten teams.

Impressed by the Campus and Coaching Staff

After visiting the Minnesota campus last weekend, Ross was convinced that the Gophers were the right fit for him. "When I went on my visit, the people I met and the campus just felt right," he told On3's Joe Tipton. "I trust Coach Johnson and his coaching staff because you can tell there is a genuine care about their players on and off the court."

A Versatile Weapon on the Wing

Ross, a Virginia native, comes from a basketball-centric family, as his older brother Jayden currently plays at UConn. Describing his game, the talented wing said, "I would describe my game as a Swiss Army knife. Someone who's going to be a dog and someone who's going to do who it takes to win."

Bolstering the Gophers' 2025 Recruiting Class

The addition of Jacob Ross to the Gophers' 2025 recruiting class is a significant coup for Ben Johnson and his staff. With his combination of size, athleticism, and versatility, Ross has the potential to be a valuable contributor for Minnesota in the years to come. As the Gophers continue to build their program, this commitment from a highly-touted prospect like Ross is a testament to the progress they've made on the recruiting trail.