By Joe Scalzo
scalzo@vindy.ocm
Youngstown
Youngstown State freshman point guard Kelsea Fickiesen has decided to leave the program.
Fickiesen, a West Virginia native who started 15 of 30 games this season, averaged 6.8 points and 1.8 assists per game for the Penguins (10-20).
In a statement released by the university, Fickiesen said the decision was due to her desire to return home and begin work on her pharmacy degree.
“Next year I am planning on attending West Virginia University at Parkersburg to finish prerequisites for WVU and the University of Charleston pharmacy schools,” she said in the statement. “After next year, I will hopefully be accepted into one of the two programs. It was a hard decision to make, but ultimately it came down to what made me happy and focusing on getting the best grades possible. I had a great experience here that I don’t regret. I’m proud of what we accomplished and proud I was a part of it.”
Fickiesen’s departure is a blow to YSU, which is already losing senior guard Macey Nortey to graduation. The Penguins are also losing senior guards Tieara Jones and Kenya Middlebrooks.
That leaves seven players left from this year’s roster, including guard Ashley Lawson, who took a medical redshirt this season. Coach Bob Boldon also signed four players during the early signing period in November.