https://twitter.com/GoldenGopherAD/status/558699799940059136
Rachel Banham’s season-ending knee injury won’t end her career with the Gopher women’s basketball team.
The Star Tribune reports that the senior guard from Lakeville was granted a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA and she’ll be eligible to play as a fifth-year senior in 2015-16.
“I’ve decided to finish my unfinished business on the court,’’ said Banham, who made the announcement at a press conference on Friday. “I have a lot of stuff unfinished: NCAA tournament, records, being with my teammates. I love my team, and I want to be able to finish on the court with my jersey on, not on the sidelines.’’
See you next season, @RachelBanham15! http://t.co/VvAELQdWXQ http://t.co/hz0JJgjQbQ
— Minnesota Golden Gophers (@GopherSports) January 23, 2015
Teammate Carlie Wagner’s photo on Twitter backed up the Star Tribune’s report that Banham’s announcement was met with a thunderous round of a applause and excitement.
Minnesota's reaction to the return of Rachel Banham👏 pic.twitter.com/mshDodqeiu
— Carlie Wagner (@CarlieJoWagner) January 23, 2015
Before tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee against North Dakota on Dec. 10, Banham was averaging 20 points, 5 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game. She was the Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year and a National Player of the Year candidate, according the Gophers.
Even without Banham the No. 21 Gophers have gotten off to a 16-3 start – the best start to a season in school history. They had only two defeats prior to losing a heartbreaker in overtime against Purdue on Thursday night.
