WILMINGTON, N.C. — A member of the University of North Carolina Wilmington women’s basketball team is facing multiple drug charges following her arrest in a high school parking lot.
According to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Paige Marie Smith, 20, was arrested on February 10 at New Hanover High School. Authorities allege she was smoking marijuana inside her vehicle outside Brogden Hall during a basketball game.
An arrest warrant shows Smith is charged with felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances, manufacturing/selling/delivering or possessing controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a school, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
Investigators said Smith was allegedly in possession of a large quantity of marijuana packaged for delivery and distribution. A firearm was also found inside the vehicle, though records indicate it did not belong to her.
Court documents state Smith has no prior criminal record.
UNCW confirmed Smith has been enrolled as a pre-psychology major since June 2025 and has been on program suspension from the women’s basketball team since February 9. The university declined further comment, citing student privacy and the integrity of ongoing proceedings.
