Smikle made her announcement Wednesday, improving Maryland’s backcourt depth.
Maryland women’s basketball secured its first transfer of the offseason Wednesday when Rutgers guard Kaylene Smikle announced her commitment to the Terps on Instagram.
The rising junior showcased her scoring prowess during her two years with the Scarlet Knights, notably earning a spot on the All-Big Ten second team as a freshman after averaging 17.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. She was also named Big Ten Freshman of the Week thrice that season.
Her 572 total points surpassed the program’s previous freshman record, and she also led the team in 3-pointers made (56).
However, Smikle’s sophomore season was hindered by limited playing time, appearing in only 15 games due to an undisclosed injury. Despite the setback, she managed to score 20 or more points in six games and recorded two double-doubles.
With the departures of key players like Brinae Alexander, Jakia Brown-Turner and Lavender Briggs from the Terps’ roster, Smikle brings much-needed scoring ability to the team. Her role remains uncertain with established guards Shyanne Sellers and Bri McDaniel returning and the arrivals of highly touted freshman guards Ava McKennie and Kyndal Walker, but Smikle is positioned to play a significant role for head coach Brenda Frese.