University of Maine redshirt senior forward Adrianna Smith is one of only three student-athletes across the country who have been appointed to the 18-member NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee, UMaine announced Wednesday.
Smith is in her second year as a member of the Division I Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete Engagement Group, and after being selected as the chair of that group by her peers, will now serve on the Oversight Committee as well.
“This is a huge deal and a tremendous honor,” UMaine women’s basketball head coach Amy Vachon said about Smith’s appointment to the committee.
Smith is a two-time All-America East first team selection and the 2022-23 America East Player of the Year.
“Adi will be one of three student-athletes in NCAA Division I basketball with a seat at one of the most important tables in our sport. I cannot overstate what an incredible honor this is,” Vachon said in a Wednesday statement. “Adi’s hard work, determination, and willingness to speak up on important matters have always guided her and led our program. Now, she is doing it at the national level.”
The Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee is tasked with several responsibilities, including general oversight of women’s basketball, making recommendations about both regular season and postseason play, working to promote the development and public perception of women’s basketball, and promoting the personal growth and experience of student-athletes.
As part of its work, the committee oversees the qualifications and selection process for the Division I Women’s Basketball Championship and reviews recommendations that come from a separate NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee. The Oversight Committee also provides direction to the Rules Committee on matters concerning playing rules on the court.
“I’m grateful to have been chosen for this committee,” said Smith, a native of Reston, Virginia. “I think it will be a great opportunity to work with other student-athletes and get their viewpoints and ideas and then be able to share them with this group.”
Her term of service will run from Dec. 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2026.
“It’s going to be a great way to get student-athletes’ voices heard more in the NCAA. I’m very excited to be a part of this,” Smith said.
