University of North Carolina Athletics
McPherson has played in seven games this season for the Tar Heels.
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
McPherson Sidelined For Remainder Of WBB Season
January 6, 2024 | Women's Basketball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina's Kayla McPherson will miss the rest of the 2023-24 women's basketball season after sustaining a knee injury requiring surgery. A 5-8 guard from Hull, Ga., McPherson has appeared in seven games this season, starting three. She has been sidelined since the South Carolina game.
"I continue to be amazed and inspired by Kayla's resilience," UNC coach Courtney Banghart said. "We are all heartbroken on her behalf as she faces more time away from playing the game she loves and excels at, but her mindset remains so positive. While she attacks this setback, she is determined to impact our team in every way she can. We're a better team with Kayla, even when she is on the sidelines. Our entire program is behind her as she faces this new challenge."
McPherson sat out the 2021-22 season, her first in Chapel Hill, while continuing to rehabilitate a high school knee injury. She made her collegiate debut midway through the 2022-23 season, playing in 13 games and earning ACC Freshman of the Week honors.
After dealing with a knee issue in the preseason, she sat out the season-opener against Gardner-Webb then returned to the court against Davidson on Nov. 12. She played in the next seven games but has been on the bench for the past five games.
"While I'm devastated to miss the rest of the season, I know that I can play an important role on the team even when I'm not in uniform," McPherson said. "I'll be cheering for my teammates from the bench and continuing to work hard to get back on the court. I want to thank our sports medicine team, our coaching staff, my teammates, my family and all of our fans for their support."
"I continue to be amazed and inspired by Kayla's resilience," UNC coach Courtney Banghart said. "We are all heartbroken on her behalf as she faces more time away from playing the game she loves and excels at, but her mindset remains so positive. While she attacks this setback, she is determined to impact our team in every way she can. We're a better team with Kayla, even when she is on the sidelines. Our entire program is behind her as she faces this new challenge."
McPherson sat out the 2021-22 season, her first in Chapel Hill, while continuing to rehabilitate a high school knee injury. She made her collegiate debut midway through the 2022-23 season, playing in 13 games and earning ACC Freshman of the Week honors.
After dealing with a knee issue in the preseason, she sat out the season-opener against Gardner-Webb then returned to the court against Davidson on Nov. 12. She played in the next seven games but has been on the bench for the past five games.
"While I'm devastated to miss the rest of the season, I know that I can play an important role on the team even when I'm not in uniform," McPherson said. "I'll be cheering for my teammates from the bench and continuing to work hard to get back on the court. I want to thank our sports medicine team, our coaching staff, my teammates, my family and all of our fans for their support."
Players Mentioned
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