On Monday night, the North Carolina women’s basketball program announced senior [autotag]Ariel Young’s[/autotag] playing career was officially finished.
The news shocked many because North Carolina is on the brink of a push to end the regular season. Young was a pivotal acquisition for UNC, joining the program in 2020 midway through Courtney Banghart’s first season.
In a press release, Banghart spoke about Young and the impact she will still have on the program.
“Ariel has worked so hard to get back on the court and sadly it just isn’t going to happen,” Banghart said. “When you’ve played basketball your whole life, it’s so difficult to see it end, and as a coach it’s excruciating to watch that happen for one of your players. Ariel will absolutely remain just as big a part of our team, and she is adored as she settles into this new role.”
She won't return to the court, but she remains an important part of our team. Love you, AY! 💙
🔗: https://t.co/jNOyeFjgbt#GoHeels pic.twitter.com/V9vYPUao2H
— Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) February 21, 2023
Young spent all last season rehabbing a knee injury suffered during the preseason. Young played three games in December this year but has not seen the court since.
Young’s knowledge of the game will play a significant role for North Carolina as her contributions now come as a voice for a team making strides in the NCAA.
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