Long Island hooper Kaylene Smikle assumes prominent role for Lady Terps

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.

- By LOIS ELFMAN

“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.”