April 14, 2010

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky sophomore Rebecca Gray has left the women’s basketball program and plans to enroll at Union College in Barbourville, Ky., Coach Matthew Mitchell announced Wednesday.

Gray, a native of Georgetown, Ky., transferred to Kentucky in 2008-09 after playing her freshman year at North Carolina.

“Rebecca has informed me of her decision to leave the team,” Mitchell said.  “I’m saddened about her departure from our team but I thank her for all of her contributions to the program. We wish her the very best moving forward.”

Gray, a 5-10 guard, played in 33 of 36 games for UK this season, averaging 5.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in 19.1 minutes per game. She was the team’s second-leading three-pointer shooter, hitting 34.9 percent from beyond the arc (30-of-86).

“I’m very blessed to have been a part of such a great program,” Gray said. “I’m so appreciative of all the time and effort this staff and team put into me as a person and player. They will always be like family to me.”

The Wildcats have their sights set on the upcoming 2010-11 season as all but two seniors, Amani Franklin and Lydia Watkins, return. UK also welcomes one of the best recruiting classes in school history. The Cats are coming off a remarkable, record-setting season that included the most wins (28) in school history, the most conference wins in school history (11), the highest conference finish (second) in 27 years, an appearance in the SEC Tournament finals for the second time in school history and first since 1982, UK’s first bid in the NCAA Tournament in four years with its highest seed (fourth) since 1983 and an Elite Eight appearance for the first time since the inaugural NCAA Tournament in 1982.