UConn’s Caroline Ducharme (head/neck) won’t return in 2023-24
Feb 21, 2023; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; St. John's Red Storm forward Danielle Patterson (3) and Connecticut Huskies guard Caroline Ducharme (33) reach for a loose ball during the second half at XL Center. credits: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports UConn guard Caroline Ducharme will miss the rest of the season after sitting out since late November with head and neck injuries.
The junior played 23 games last season and just four at the start of the 2023-24 campaign due to the ongoing issues.
"I have been working tirelessly with my medical team to make a full return to basketball after sustaining head and neck injuries," Ducharme said in a statement released Tuesday. "It has honestly been a frustrating process with many ups and downs. At this time, the difficult decision was made to take a step back and not play the remainder of the 2023-24 season so I can focus on my recovery full time.
"I'm confident that this is the best decision so I can continue to play the sport I love at UConn and professionally. ... I'm always supporting my team and I can't wait to rejoin them on the court next season."
Ducharme began the season in UConn's starting lineup and averaged 4.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game over four starts.
After a documented history of head injuries, Ducharme experience neck spasms when the Huskies traveled to the Cayman Islands for a tournament last November.
She has averaged 8.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in her 58-game UConn career (20 starts).
The news was released before No. 8 UConn (16-3, 8-0 Big East) played at Marquette on Tuesday night.
The Huskies are also without Azzi Fudd (ACL) and Jana El Alfy (Achilles) for the season.
—Field Level Media