TCU’s women’s basketball team has been forced to forfeit upcoming games against Kansas State and #24 Iowa State due to an unprecedented rash of injuries that has left the team dangerously shorthanded. With the future of their season in jeopardy, TCU made the difficult decision to protect the health of their remaining players.
Timeline of Tragedy: How TCU’s Season Unraveled
The Horned Frogs began conference play with an impressive 10-3 record, including a stunning upset over #18 Oklahoma. Ranked for the first time since 2010, TCU seemed poised to make noise in a stacked Big 12 conference.
However, the injury bug struck swiftly and brutally:
- December 28: Starting wing Lucy Iwaeme goes down with a torn ACL, ending her season.
- January 7: Promising freshman PG Aaliyah Pitre injures her ankle, joins Iwaeme on the sidelines.
- January 11: Senior captain and leading scorer Lauren Heard suffers a scary concussion in practice. She has not been cleared to play since.
- January 14: Two more reserves suffer undisclosed injuries in practice, leaving TCU with just 6 healthy scholarship players.
“| Healthy Scholarship Players | Injured Players |”
“| ————- |:————-:|”
“| G Lauren Heard | G Lucy Iwaeme |”
“| G Aaliyah Pitre | F Elissa Konold | ”
“| F Anna McLeod | G Roxanne Makolo |”
“| F Millie Waller | |”
“| G Yasmina Zlitni | |”
“| F O’Myjai Smithers | |”
With a third of their roster suddenly unavailable, TCU petitioned the Big 12 to postpone their upcoming games. However, with no clear timeline for players to return, the conference ruled that TCU must forfeit the contests.
“This is an incredibly difficult and disappointing situation for our student-athletes…” said TCU Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati. “…Ultimately this decision was made for the health and safety of our student athletes.”
What This Means for TCU
While forfeiting likely ends any hope of an NCAA tournament appearance, TCU’s main focus now shifts to simply finishing the season. They will face scrutiny for honoring future games rather than cancelling outright. Plus, with the team lacking veteran leadership, chemistry concerns may arise.
However, if Heard and others return healthy, TCU boasts enough talent to remain competitive. Transfer PG Zlitni and freshman Smithers will be thrust into bigger roles, gaining valuable experience for next year.
“”We will handle this situation with class and dignity,” head coach Raegan Pebley said. “Adversity reveals character, and I know the resiliency this team has within them.””
Impact on the Big 12 Race
TCU’s misfortune shakes up a crowded Big 12 title picture. The forfeited wins put Kansas State and Iowa State one step closer to the regular season crown.
Kansas State (15-2, 4-1 Big 12) sits tied atop the standings with #19 Oklahoma. The defending champion Wildcats hope to capitalize on upsets over the Sooners and Texas to separate from the pack.
Meanwhile, Iowa State (13-2, 5-0 Big 12) remains undefeated in conference play after gaining two forfeit wins this week over Texas Tech and TCU. Led by dynamic Iowa transfer Ashley Joens, the Cyclones are surging towards their first Big 12 title.
What’s Next for the Frogs
TCU faces a grueling schedule ahead, including games versus top 25 foes Texas and Iowa State in the next week. Players and coaches insist they can regroup in time to face the Longhorns on Saturday. But with a short bench and shaken confidence, prevailing even at partial strength presents an immense challenge.
Ultimately, TCU must balance competitiveness against caution. With the program’s first NCAA tournament bid in 14 years no longer feasible, the primary goals shift to player health and development for next season. The Frogs possess the talent to make noise in the Big 12 next year, but this season’s outlook grows bleaker by the day. For now, TCU focuses on persevering through a crisis unprecedented in program history.
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