Stanford senior forward Kailee Johnson foregoing final season of eligibility
On the day that Stanford announced its 2016-17 nonconference schedule, the program also released a statement indicating that senior forward Kailee Johnson has decided to forego her final season of eligibility to “focus on jumpstarting her professional business career.” Earlier this summer, the Cardinal revealed that Lili Thompson, last season’s second-leading scorer, would not return to the team but remain at the institution.
From Stanford:
The science, technology and society major is just seven units shy of earning her degree and will graduate two quarters early at the conclusion of the fall session. A 2015-16 Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention selection, Johnson has completed all of her general education requirements, as well as those for her major.
“My time at Stanford has been incredible and the education I’ve received has opened up possibilities for me beyond basketball that I’m excited to pursue,” Johnson said. “I’ve learned so much and grown a great deal as a person the past three years and I’ll always cherish my time as a member of the women’s basketball program. I want to thank Tara for giving me the opportunity to be where I am today along with my coaches and teammates for their support and friendship. This was an extremely difficult decision, but I’m eager to start my career. I am the biggest fan of Stanford women’s basketball and look forward to cheering on my team this season and beyond.”
Johnson, who played 83 games in three seasons and started 15, is seeking a career in real estate investment.
“Kailee has been a joy to work with and I’m confident she’ll be just as successful in the business world as she has been on the basketball court,” Setsuko Ishiyama Director of Women’s Basketball Tara VanDerveer said. “Stanford is such a unique place and I’m happy that KJ has taken full advantage of all that this university has to offer. She was a great teammate and we’ll miss her, but are anxious to see all that she will accomplish in the future.”
