The Oregon Ducks women’s basketball team suffered a blow on Friday morning with the announcement that veteran center Sedona Prince would undergo season-ending surgery on her elbow that will end her career with the team.
Prince, a redshirt senior, entered the year with only one remaining year of eligibility at the college level, and the team says that she will exhaust that remaining year to focus on pursuing a professional career.
According to a release from the team, Prince “has chosen to leave school to focus on rehabilitation and recovery with elbow specialists.”
“I’m heartbroken,” stated Prince in a release from the team. “I truly felt that this was the year I could showcase my work ethic and skills on the court, but also my self-growth and leadership ability. I tried to push through the injury and be there for my team, but after extensive evaluation from the best doctors in the world and looking deep inside myself at my passions and goals, I know that I have to take care my elbow now in order to ensure long-term health and a sustained professional career. As an elite athlete, current entrepreneur, and future wave maker I pride myself on creating and continuing to drive impact in everything I do. Not being able to play with my teammates this year is painful and tragic for me. However, I’m so grateful for the entire community of Eugene for their continued support and inspiration to always push forward through adversity. After all, pressure is a privilege.”
Prince was in line for a big final season with the Ducks, being voted to the Pac-12 preseason all-conference team for the third consecutive season.
According to the team, Friday will mark Prince’s final appearance in a Duck uniform, as she will be honored prior to Oregon’s exhibition contest against Carroll College at 6 p.m. at Matthew Knight Arena.
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