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The University of Maine women’s basketball team has landed 2023 Miss Maine Basketball recipient Lizzy Gruber through the NCAA transfer portal.
The 6-foot-4 center and former Gardiner High School star spent two seasons at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
In her freshman season, she appeared in 14 games for a total of 26 minutes. She had five points, eight rebounds, four blocked shots, two assists and a steal.
She was a redshirt this past season and didn’t play so she will have three years of eligibility remaining.
“We are excited to welcome Lizzy back home,” said UMaine head coach Amy Vachon in a press release. “Lizzy is a long, athletic and versatile player who will help us both offensively and defensively.”
Gruber concluded her Gardiner High School career with 1,270 points, 1,208 rebounds and 399 blocked shots.
“She is an amazing young woman who will fit right into our program’s culture,” added Vachon.
Earlier this week, UMaine sophomore forward Caroline Dotsey and junior guard Jaycie Christopher entered the transfer portal.
The 6-foot-2 Dotsey won the America East Sixth Player of the Year Award after averaging 9.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while averaging 17.8 minutes of playing time.
Gruber was named the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 and was chosen to the Bangor Daily News’ All-Maine Schoolgirl first team after being a two-time second team selection.
Her senior year, she averaged 20.7 points, 15.7 rebounds, 5.6 blocked shots, 2.7 assists, 2.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game.
Her former Gardiner High coach, Mike Gray, said in 2023 that Gruber’s work ethic was “through the roof” and she did a lot to get her teammates involved.”
Gruber achieved an uncommon feat by collecting more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in high school.
“In addition to her size and skill, she had a great approach to the game and a toughness,” Gray said. “She always wanted to get better and find a way to help us win.”
Lawrence coach Greg Chesley called her a competitor in 2023.
“She is tenacious inside. She goes after every rebound. She posts up strong and looks to take over every game,” said Chesley.
Gruber will join a front court that will include 2022-23 America East Player of the Year and two-time All-America East first team selection Adrianna Smith and incoming recruit 6-foot-3 Bailey Breen, the former Oceanside of Rockland standout and All-Maine selection who spent her senior year at Montverde Academy in Florida.
Smith missed the entire 2024-25 season due to knee surgery.
