Kentucky Wildcats Hoops: Samantha Drake Forgoes Her Senior Season

Senior Kentucky Hoops’ star Samantha Drake has decided to forego her final year of eligibility for Matthew Mitchell and the Kentucky Wildcats. After having a solid college career, Samantha Drake tore her ACL and meniscus last season. With rehab not going as planned and the risk being too great, the decision was made by Samantha Drake herself to walk away from the game she loved so much. In a statement released by the University of Kentucky Wildcats Athletics Department earlier today, Samantha Drake and head coach Matthew Mitchell had the following to say about her decision.

"“I would like to thank Mr. Barnhart, all of my teammates and coaches for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this amazing women’s basketball program at UK,” Drake said. “I was given the chance to show my talent and be a part of a lot of success during my four years. Although I won’t be playing anymore, I’ll still be the biggest cheerleader for the team. I am going to turn my focus on academics and walking across that stage in May to receive my degree.”“We support Samantha and her decision to forego playing her senior year,” UK Hoops head coach Matthew Mitchell said. “Samantha contributed to so many victories during her career and we are grateful for her efforts. We will continue supporting her any way we can as she works toward graduation.”"

As a senior from Bardstown, KY, Samantha Drake played in 88 games in her career. Over those 88 games, Samantha Drake averaged 3.4 points and 2.5 rebounds while starting 23 games. She is set to graduate in May 2015 with a degree in family science and a minor in health promotion.