Women’s basketball coach Sandra Rushing resigned following her team’s sudden cancellation of the remainder of its season and the departure of its most valuable player — Randrea Wright.

UCA Athletic Director Brad Teague said the team started with 14 players and dropped down to five, which ultimately hindered the Sugar Bears from finishing out their final three games.

Before the season began, two players transferred. Throughout the season, three players were injured — junior forward Kyjai Miles, senior guard Jennifer Peake and sophomore forward Lashiyah Fowler — removing them from season play. 

Additionally, four members departed the team, leaving a total of six departing players — sophomore guard Randrea Wright, senior guard Kayla Mitchell, freshman guard Parris Atkins, Anjanae Mueck, Ciara Brannon, and Kahleigh Thompson. Roster information was not available for Mueck, Brannon and Thompson.

Of the six departures, one was a suspension for breaking team rules, according to Teague.

Two of the departures came suddenly at the tail-end of the Bear’s season — Wright and Mitchell.

Both players played in every game of the Sugar Bears season until the team’s Feb16 game against Bellarmine, where both were absent. Neither returned to the court for the team’s last two games against Eastern Kentucky and North Alabama.

During the Feb. 21 game against North Alabama, ESPN+ commentator Dorian Craft said, “Central Arkansas’ point guard Randrea Wright [is] not available — coach’s decision. She was also their leading scorer.”

Wright accrued 240 points season wide, more than any other player on the team. She was named freshman of the week four times during the Sugar Bear’s 2022 season. 

Mitchell logged a total of 366 minutes during the season.

The reason for their departures is unclear, but it left the Sugar Bears with a five-player squad — sophomore guard Kinley Fisher, sophomore forward Leah Perry, sophomore guard Gloria Fornah, senior guard Siera Carter and junior forward Kierra Prim.

Teague said the team forfeited the remainder of its season for medical reasons and a lack of numbers in the program.

“With the advice of our medical team and in consultation with our student-athletes, we feel it is best to discontinue competitions for the final three games of the season,” Teague said to UCAsports.com

“We are disappointed for these student-athletes that they cannot safely complete their season but are very proud of their dedication and efforts.”

The team struggled through its season due to the departures and injuries, playing for multiple games with only six to seven players.

The early cancellation of the Sugar Bear’s season affected other teams in the ASUN Conference. All canceled games were counted as an automatic win for the opposing team. The Sugar Bears had three final games to play against North Florida, Jacksonville University and Austin Peay.

Due to the cancellation of their final game, the Sugar Bears held their senior night activities before the men’s basketball senior night game against Kennesaw State on Feb. 24.

Peake, Carter and Miles were honored for their contributions to the team. One day later, UCAsports.com announced the resignation of Rushing who cited her mother’s health problems as a stressor for her.

Rushing said, “The last few years have been very challenging and stressful as I have been torn between my obligations here at UCA and my mom’s health issues. I feel it is time for me to step away and take care of my top priority. I wish nothing but the best for UCA and the Sugar Bears’ program.”

The article ends by saying, “UCA will begin an immediate search for a new head coach for the women’s basketball program.”

Athletic director Brad Teague confirmed that the Sugar Bears will “for sure” play next season, and “the injuries will heal and incoming recruits will fill the vacated spots.”

Players and coach Rushing did not respond to requests for comment.