Smith, Rockwood represent UMaine as leaders at NCAA Final Four

ORONO, Maine – Two University of Maine women's basketball student-athletes attended the NCAA Women's Final Four—not to compete, but to step off the court and into exclusive programs designed to shape the next generation of sports leaders.

Adrianna Smith and Olivia Rockwood traveled to Tampa, Fla., not only to watch the Final Four action but, more importantly, to participate in professional development experiences that support their aspirations beyond playing the game.

Smith was selected as part of the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Student-Athlete Engagement Group—a collective formed to represent the voice of women's basketball on key initiatives, legislation, and issues. As part of this group, Smith received behind-the-scenes access to programming, networking opportunities, panel discussions, and direct conversations with NCAA leaders and industry professionals.

"It's so important for the athletes to have a say because we're the ones participating in the events," said Smith. "So, the fact that they're willing to make an effort to hear our voices is really amazing, and I'm glad that I got to be a part of it and share the voice for my conference this year. "I talked to many women in leadership roles in a male-dominated field which led me to want to take some of their qualities, like being confident in all of the ideas that you have and that you can be in a space that doesn't have people who look like you and be the first one to do it. You just have to believe in yourself."

Meanwhile, Rockwood participated in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Convention as a participant in this year's So You Want to Be a Coach program. The initiative introduces female student-athletes to the coaching world by connecting them with coaches and administrators nationwide. It highlights the talent and leadership potential of female student-athletes who aspire to careers on the sidelines.

"I was really excited to be able to hear from a lot of different coaches and their perspectives, what they do, how they got to where they are, and their coaching styles and not just from head coaches, but like from assistant coaches and basketball operations," said Rockwood. "It was a great experience to hear from a bunch of different people."

Both Smith and Rockwood's experiences were exciting and meaningful, but being in the arena for the NCAA Championship game made it even more special.

"As a college basketball player growing up watching the Final Four and the NCAA Tournament, it was just something that you always kind of dream of, like one day I really hope I'll be able to go and watch the games, and I actually got to," said Rockwood.

"Being at the game was insane and felt like an out-of-body experience," added Smith. "I never thought I'd get to be at the National Championship, but it was great to be there, and I'm really grateful for that experience."

Their impact as leaders does not go unnoticed.

"We are so proud of Olivia and Adrianna for representing the University of Maine Women's Basketball Program at the 2024 Final Four," said UMaine women's basketabll head coach, Amy Vachon. "Both Liv and Adi are tremendous young women, and the opportunity for them to learn, grow, and share with their peers and other professionals in college athletics is an experience that they will never forget! We are excited to witness both Liv and Adi continue to lead as young women in athletics."

-UMaine-

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Players Mentioned

#1 Olivia Rockwood: Guard; 5' 7"; Graduate Student

#33 Adrianna Smith: Forward; 6' 0"; Redshirt Senior

Players Mentioned

#1 Olivia Rockwood
: 5' 7"; Graduate Student
: Guard

#33 Adrianna Smith
: 6' 0"; Redshirt Senior
: Forward

Players Mentioned

#1 Olivia Rockwood

#33 Adrianna Smith

Players Mentioned

#1 Olivia Rockwood

#33 Adrianna Smith