Oregon women's basketball announces Sedona Prince will undergo season-ending surgery, turn pro
Oregon Ducks women’s basketball forward Sedona Prince suffered a season-ending ligament tear in her elbow and will subsequently skip the 2022-23 season to turn pro this spring. Rather than appeal for another year of eligibility, Prince will undergo surgery, rehab and prepare for her professional career, the program announced on Friday.
The 6-foot-7 Ducks senior went viral last year when she exposed the disparities between the facilities, amenities and exposure provided to the women’s players versus the men’s players at the NCAA Tournament.
She is now one of the NCAA’s highest-valued players with an On3 NIL valuation of $543,000. Her NIL valuation is No. 5 amongst college women’s players and No. 76 overall, per On3’s rankings.
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One of the true stars of college basketball, Prince has built a large following thanks to her advocacy work, her viral Tik Toks, and of course, her play on the hardwood. The Texas native averaged 9.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game for the Ducks in 2021-22.
Oregon shares news of Sedona Prince’s injury, departure
The program provided statements from the star player and head coach Kelly Graves on Friday.
“We are going to miss Sedona,” Graves said. “She has done so many wonderful things and has been an incredible representative of our program and the University. Her impact on collegiate athletics, especially in the area of gender equity, has been immense and will be felt for generations to come. I wish her only the best in all of her future endeavors. I cannot wait to see the ways she will continue to positively impact and change our world. Once a Duck, always a Duck.”
“I’m heartbroken,” Prince’s statement reads. “I truly felt that this was the year I could showcase my work ethic and skills on the court, but also my self-growth and leadership ability. I tried to push through the injury and be there for my team, but after extensive evaluation from the best doctors in the world and looking deep inside myself at my passions and goals, I know that I have to take care of my elbow now in order to ensure long-term health and a sustained professional career. As an elite athlete, current entrepreneur, and future wave maker I pride myself on creating and continuing to drive impact in everything I do. Not being able to play with my teammates this year is painful and tragic for me. However, I’m so grateful for the entire community of Eugene for their continued support and inspiration to always push forward through adversity. After all, pressure is a privilege.
“I will always love this challenging program and its ability hold me accountable and to always elevate my game. The Eugene community took this Texas girl in immediately and made me feel like family. I will forever cherish the relationships and experiences I have made here on this journey.”