Irish forward Katy Flecky has decided to step away from basketball her senior year to focus on academics.
"My top priority here at Notre Dame has been, and always will be to receive a quality education from the best school in the country," Flecky said in a statement. "At this point, I want to devote all of my time and energy into earning my psychology degree from Notre Dame next May."
Flecky came into Notre Dame as a highly-touted forward from Highlands Ranch High School in Lone Tree, Colo. She was a Street and Smith All-American and a third-team Parade All-American as well, after averaging 18.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game her senior year.
As a freshman, the 6-foot-2 Flecky was named the Big East Rookie of the Week in February 2002. She played in 27 games, averaging 4.9 points in 14.5 minutes her first season.
Flecky improved in a trip to Italy with the team that summer, and saw her playing time increase as a sophomore. She put up 7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 23.3 minutes per game. She started 15 games for the Irish.
Junior year, Flecky saw the floor for 12.1 minutes per game, the lowest of her career. She averaged 3.6 points per game and was hampered by injuries. However, she played a key role against Rutgers in the semi-final game of the Big East Tournament, notching eight points and seven rebounds. She also knocked down a three-pointer against Penn State in the NCAA Tournament regional final.
Flecky was also a member of the Big East Academic All-Star team in 2002 and 2004.
"Katy has chosen to step away from basketball in order to concentrate on her academics here at Notre Dame," Irish coach Muffet McGraw said in a statement. "While we are disappointed she will not be returning to the team this season, we respect her decision and look forward to seeing here graduate with a degree from Notre Dame in May."
Flecky said playing for the Irish has been a positive experience.
"Playing basketball for the Irish the past three years has been a rewarding experience," she said. "I am grateful to have had the opportunity to compete in one of the
nation's most successful programs alongside some tremendously gifted players and in front of the greatest fans in the country. I plan on attending every home game this year and being the team's No. 1 fan, cheering them on to a national championship next April in Indianapolis."
