Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – It's rare to be considered a rookie and a veteran at the same time, but that's what the newest recruit to MacEwan's women's basketball team will be for her team in 2023-24.
Maggie Smith will be entering her first year of U SPORTS eligibility this fall despite being on the Mount Royal University Cougars roster for the past two seasons.
Unfortunately, the 5-10 forward suffered a torn ACL before she had a chance to play in what was supposed to be her rookie Canada West season in 2021-22 and missed the entire campaign before serving as a redshirt with the Cougars in 2022-23.
"She hasn't used any eligibility, so coming in as a first year with some U SPORTS experience and being around the U SPORTS game for the last couple of years is really going to serve her well," said MacEwan Griffins head coach Katherine Adams. "I think particularly where we've lost some of our veteran leadership to graduation and injury, she's going to fill a really nice role for us.
"She has some maturity at this level that should allow her to step into a leadership role right from the get-go."
As for her on-court play, Smith figures to add a lot to the Griffins' lineup.
"She's smart (with a) high IQ," said Adams. "She's pretty driven and not afraid to work hard. I think she's going to fit in with our culture very well – she's not afraid to get to work, put her nose to the grindstone, get after it and compete."
