UK Hoops Loses One to Injury, One to Transfer

There is tough news all-around for the UK women's basketball team this week as senior Amber Smith is out indefinitely with a knee injury and sophomore Anna Cole has decided to transfer.

Smith suffered an ACL tear in her left knee during a game of pickup basketball. She will be forced to have corrective surgery later this month.

Head coach Matthew Mitchell told UKAthletics.com:

“This is very difficult for Amber to go through, entering her senior season,” Mitchell said. “We are aware of how tough this is on her and we are going to do everything we can as a basketball program and her basketball family to support her and her rehabilitation. We are confident she will work hard and get back on the court as soon as possible but in the meantime she leaves very big shoes to fill. Anyone who follows our program knows what a big part Amber Smith plays in what we do. Our entire team will have to pull together to make up for this huge loss.”

Cole, a 6-7 center, has requested to be released from her scholarship and plans to look for a school that is closer to home.

Mitchell said of Cole:

“I was very sad to hear of Anna’s desire to leave our program,” Mitchell said. “She is a player that we felt was benefitting from being in our program and making strides as a person, student and basketball player. I do respect her desire to continue her college career closer to her family and her home in Wisconsin. She is a young woman of tremendous character and we appreciate her contributions to our program. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”