Exciting News: University of Maine Women’s Basketball Welcomes Star Recruit Lizzy Gruber!

ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine women’s basketball team is welcoming Lizzy Gruber, a talented 6-foot-4 center, who is transferring from Saint Joseph’s. Gruber will join the Black Bears in the fall of 2025. Head coach Amy Vachon expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to welcome Lizzy back home. She is a long, athletic, and versatile player who will boost our offensive and defensive game. Lizzy is a remarkable young woman who fits perfectly into our culture.”

Gruber played 14 games with the Hawks during her freshman year but redshirted in her sophomore season. Before heading to Saint Joseph’s, she made a mark at Gardiner Area High School. In 2023, she earned Miss Maine Basketball honors and was named both KVAC Player and Defensive Player of the Year. Gruber made history by being the first female player in Maine to achieve 1,000 rebounds before scoring 1,000 points, showcasing her all-around skills.

At Gardiner, she set numerous records. Gruber holds the school records for most career points, rebounds, and blocks—an impressive total of 399 blocks. In her junior year, she earned spots on multiple teams, including KVAC First Team and KVAC All-Defensive Team. She was also a finalist for the Varsity Maine Athlete of the Year in 2022.

Throughout her high school career, Gruber’s stats were nothing short of impressive, averaging 21.1 points, 15.3 rebounds, 4.2 blocks, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. She also shone in club basketball, playing for Maine Attraction, where she was recognized as the top post player in New England and ranked fourth overall.

Gruber’s addition to the Black Bears highlights the growing trend of talented players transferring to enhance their careers. According to a recent NCAA report, over 1,500 women basketball players transferred in the 2022-2023 season, seeking better opportunities and environments for their skills. As the game evolves, the impact of these transfers can reshape team dynamics and strategies significantly.

With her strong background and impressive achievements, Gruber is poised to make a significant impact at the University of Maine. Her journey reflects both her dedication and the potential of women’s college basketball to cultivate exceptional talent.

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