Wisconsin’s Sydney Hilliard to step away from basketball program
MADISON, Wis. — Badgers senior Sydney Hilliard is stepping away from the women’s basketball program for personal reasons.
Hilliard and UW Athletics announced the decision Sunday. Hilliard played in 7 games this season, averaging 5.9 points per game.
“This was not a decision I took lightly,” Hilliard said in a statement. “The love and support of my family, friends, Badger teammates and coaches has meant the world to me and I’ll always be grateful to all of them.”
❤️ @sydhilliard30 pic.twitter.com/P0iW5n7eBj
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerWBB) January 8, 2023
Hilliard, who graduated from Monroe High School, joined the Badgers in 2019. She started in 23 games her freshman season, averaging 9.2 points per game. She followed that up with a strong sophomore season that saw her average 15.5 points per game and earn unanimous honorable mention All-Big Ten. She appeared in 18 games last season, starting all of them and averaging 12.8 points per game while shooting a career-best 54.8% from the field.
Hilliard took a leave of absence from the team in February to focus on a personal matter.
“I have complete understanding and respect for Syd’s decision,” head coach Marisa Moseley said. “We will miss her in our program but we all wish her the best moving forward. She knows she will always have our support.”
The Badgers take on Minnesota on Sunday at the Kohl Center. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. CT.
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