The women’s basketball team sustained a major blow in November when one of their highest scorers suffered a season-ending knee injury against Lambuth University.

Trenell Smith, business management senior, tore her anterior cruciate ligament Nov. 27 during the first minute of the Lambuth game in Jackson, Tenn.

“I slipped on a fast break, then heard a pop and that was it”, said Smith, blaming the fall on “dusty floors”.

Now only able to observe games, Trenell said she hopes some of her teammates will “step up and fulfill their roles” and remains very confident that the team can bring home the GCAC Championship in her absence.

Trenese Smith, business management senior and Smith’s twin, has also endured two knee surgeries and understands her sister’s pain.

 “It’s hard not having my sister on the team, but it’s a slow process,” Trenese said. “We have our ups and downs due to the lost but we are coming up with a new game plan.”

Trenese said she also believes another GCAC Championship can still be obtained despite the team’s loss of her sister.

Others players feel the loss of Smith’s absence.

Kevia Council, sociology sophomore, said, “Trenell was a very vital part of our team, and she still is.”

Lauren Pryer, criminal justice sophomore, said, “She is so dedicated and it just doesn’t seem fair that this happened to her during her fifth season with this program.”

Amy Sprout, psychology sophomore, said, “It hurts to lose a good leader who was consistent and led by example.”

According to Libby Collyer, psychology freshman, some of the freshmen players have been affected tremendously.

“The loss impacts the team because … now we have to adjust to her not being there as a reliable playmaker,” Collyer said.

In her sister’s absence, Trenese hopes to step up more as a team leader, as well as pushing for others players to become big scorers, so they can replace Trenell’s consistent high-scoring career.

Coach Kellie Kennedy said she is “devastated” to lose Trenell.

“I feel bad to lose Trenell early in the season,” Kennedy said. “It’s hard to be out for the season in fifty seconds of your third game in your fifth year.”

According to Kennedy, the injury has lost the team a great leader who brought maturity to the program. However, she remains optimistic.

“We have a great team. We have to figure out how to play together and play smart,” Kennedy said.

In order to prepare her knee for surgery, Trenell is going to a trainer, performing leg strengthening exercises and icing her knee to keep swelling down. She expects to be walking a few weeks after the surgery and fully recovered five to six months after the surgery.

Trenese said, “If she does what she has to do, she’ll be able to play again.”

Trenell said the injury is taking a toll emotionally, but she remains optimistic and honored that the team will try to win the championship for her.

Lee Slan can be reached at [email protected]