Texas senior Cokie Reed and junior Chelsea Bass retire from basketball

Texas (7-8, 0-4 Big 12) senior Cokie Reed and junior Chelsea Bass announced their retirement from basketball Tuesday afternoon. Both players have been plagued by injuries.

“Due to exercise-induced hypertension, I have been advised by the UT medical staff that it is in my best interest to retire from the game of basketball,” said Reed. “With one semester remaining before graduation, it is time for me to focus on my health and academics and a future after basketball.”

Reed started in seven games this season and averaged 9.5 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game. She played in 73 career games (27 starts) after missing the 2010-11 season following surgery to her right foot.

Bass saw playing time on November 30 against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi where she scored 11 points in eight minutes off the bench. She played in 57 career games, including five starts.

“After careful consideration and extensive insight from the UT medical staff and various doctors, I have accepted their recommendation that it is best for me to retire from basketball at this time, ” said Bass. “I have had a wonderful three years with the Texas Women’s Basketball team, but the time has come for me to focus solely on academics and my future without basketball.”

Texas has struggled in Big 12 play and faces Texas Tech at home on Wednesday before traveling to Oklahoma Saturday afternoon.

“First and foremost, I want to thank Chelsea and Cokie on behalf of everyone associated with Texas women’s basketball for their efforts and commitment to our program,” said head coach Karen Aston. “They have always represented Texas with class, both on-and-off the court. We wish them the very best as they move forward in the next phase of their lives.”