Ranked in the top 10 nationally, the University of Maryland Terrapins are off to an 11-0 start this Division I women’s basketball season, and senior guard Kaylene Smikle from Bayshore has been a huge offensive presence as the team pursues a return to the Final Four.
“On Long Island, I grew up around a lot of basketball because all of my siblings played,” said Smikle, the youngest of four children. “I basically grew up around it.” Her brother also attends Maryland and is on the practice squad for the women’s team.
A graduate of Westtown High School, Smikle began her college career at Rutgers, but decided to transfer after her sophomore season. “On my visit to Maryland, the team showed me how much they wanted me to be a part of this team,” Smikle said. “All the coaches are so supportive. I found a family environment.”
Her game has developed since Smikle came to College Park. The Terrapins’ style of play suits her, and she’s averaging more than 13 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. She is a preseason All-Big Ten honoree and was named to the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award watch list. Making an impact feels good.
“We’re feeling good and building chemistry every game,” said Smikle, a sociology major. “Every day, every practice, we’re continuing to grow, we’re continuing to learn each other and how each other plays. I feel like every game we’re going to be playing is more connected because we’re learning how we move with each other. Every game, we’re going to be playing better Maryland basketball because we’re continuing to learn each other as the season goes on.”
Smikle is active on social media, building a presence as an influencer on Instagram and TikTok. She is open to name, image, and likeness opportunities, and is very into skincare. There is also an official shop with clothing collections.
Maryland has been dominant this season in more than just the wins themselves, winning six games by more than 20 points, including a 95-38 victory over Hofstra at the Discover Puerto Rico Classic during Thanksgiving weekend. “We’re not looking to our opponent to try and change the way we play,” said Smikle, whose parents make the drive from New York to Maryland for all of her home games. “We want to stay consistent in how we play, which is rebound, run, and play in transition. We keep the pace. No matter the opponent, we don’t go softer.”