Nyah Leveretter of Kentucky WBB tears ACL, out for season

South Carolina v Kentucky — (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The hits for the Kentucky women’s basketball program continue to pile up. Losing 12 of its last 14 games and sitting at 2-12 in conference play, the Wildcats have now added a season-ending injury to the list of setbacks.

Junior forward Nyah Leveretter sustained a torn ACL in her right knee during the team’s loss at Vanderbilt on Feb. 19. Head coach Kyra Elzy announced the news on Monday.

“Our program is saddened by this update,” Elzy said. “Nyah’s positive energy, defensive intensity and will to win will be missed when we take the court the rest of the season. She has displayed a tremendous amount of courage and positivity over the last 24 hours, which is a testament to her character. The leadership she brings to our team is impacting and I have no doubt that she will continue to inspire us through her healing process.

“Myself, our staff, and the team are wrapping our arms extra tight around Nyah right now and I hope fans will share their love and support with her, too, during this difficult time.”

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Leveretter has played in all 26 games with 21 starts this season, including the last 16 straight. She was averaging 2.5 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game, while adding 2.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in conference action. The Blythewood, South Carolina, native had a career-high 11 rebounds against Auburn on Jan. 26 and a career-high tying eight points in Kentucky’s win against Missouri on Jan. 29. She also had a career-high three assists against Georgia on Feb. 16.

She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and has been on the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll each year in school. Recently, she was named to the 2023 Frank G. Ham Society of Character and she also represented Kentucky at the 2022-23 SEC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Leadership Council annual meeting earlier this season.

In its next game, Kentucky will square off against Texas A&M inside Reed Arena in Bryan-College Station, Texas, on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network.