Two-time All-America East basketball player Adrianna Smith said her decision to return for a fifth season at the University of Maine after missing this upcoming season with a knee injury was an “easy” one.

She said that the positive experience she has had so far made up her mind for her.

“This team means everything to me,” said the six-foot forward from Reston, Virginia. “I couldn’t really imagine leaving without playing a season when I had a chance to have another one.”

She will be a medical redshirt this season.

Smith said UMaine head coach Amy Vachon made it clear that the decision on whether or not to come back was all Smith’s.

“I made the decision pretty quickly,” said Smith, who could have opted to enter the transfer portal or seek a pro career next season.

Smith said she tore her anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during practice earlier in October and she had surgery on Oct. 18.

“Everything went great,” said Smith, who led the conference in rebounding (10.8 rebounds per game) and assists (4.7) last season and was second behind teammate Anne Simon in scoring (16.4 points per game).

Her 22 double-doubles set an America East and UMaine record.

She said it “sucks” not to be able to play the final year with the senior classmates she came to UMaine with in her freshman year – Sera Hodgson and Paula Gallego along with graduate students Caroline Bornemann and Olivia Rockwood.

“But (juniors) Jaycie (Christopher), Sarah (Talon) and Dots (sophomore Caroline Dotsey) will still be here and I’m excited to play with them again,” said Smith, the America East Player of the Year two years ago.

Vachon said they are happy to know Smith is coming back.

“She is obviously a great player and a great person. Her career definitely didn’t end the way she wanted it to. So she wants to end it on a different note. And we’re excited.”

Smith was the second member of the team to have season-ending knee surgery. Incoming freshman Maddie Fitzpatrick, the two-time Maine schoolgirl Gatorade Player of the Year from Cheverus High School in Portland, will also miss the season.

She suffered the injury during an August practice session.

Fitzpatrick said she is recuperating well from her surgery.