May 18, 2012
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa Head Women’s Basketball Coach Lisa Bluder has announced that sophomore Jade Rogers and freshman Virginia Johnson will end their playing careers due to injury.
Rogers played in 13 games as a freshman while battling a knee injury. The Cedar Rapids native scored a career-best five points vs. Virginia Tech and grabbed a career-high five rebounds vs. Central Michigan. Before her sophomore season, Rogers had a surgery to help realign her injured left knee and she missed the entire 2011-12 season.
“We are extremely disappointed to see Jade end her playing career,” Bluder said. “She battled injuries throughout her time in uniform at Iowa, but she always brought a great energy and enthusiasm to the team. When healthy, Jade showed she could contribute at a high level. Not having her on our roster will be a big loss. Even though it’s a tough decision to make, ending her career will help improve her quality of life down the road.”
Johnson, who battled concussions in high school, also suffered concussions during her first year at Iowa and was only able to play in 13 games. The Iowa City native netted eight points and grabbed nine rebounds against Western Illinois and also scored six points and pulled down six rebounds in Iowa’s upset win over No. 13 Purdue.
“Virginia was one of the most athletic players in the Big Ten,” Bluder said. “Everyone saw her potential in our win over Purdue. It’s unfortunate that she will not be able to continue her career and showcase her athletic ability. She is an Iowa City kid who grew up loving the Hawkeyes. It was great to see her in an Iowa uniform for a season and her talents will be missed. She would have competed for the starting power forward position for us next season, but concussions are something you can’t dismiss.”