Colley departs Gamecock women’s basketball

South Carolina entered the SEC season down a player.

Freshman Shay Colley left the program after citing a desire to be closer to her home, coach Dawn Staley announced before the No. 2 Gamecocks’ league opener on Sunday. Colley is a native of Brampton, Ontario.

“Homesickness is real. It’s a real thing, especially when you have so many local players that can get home after a practice and get back,” Staley said. “That’s hard for someone like Shay, who was 16 hours away from home. She couldn’t get that support from home that she relies on as a young person.”

The freshman was the team’s third point guard behind starter Khadijah Sessions and sophomore Bianca Cuevas. She averaged 2.7 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.9 minutes per game. Tina Roy has also played some point.

Colley was the only freshman Staley signed in the offseason. USC filled the rest of the class with transfers Sarah Imovbioh, Allisha Gray and Kaela Davis. Gray will have two seasons of eligibility beginning next year and the Gamecocks will also have Cuevas, Doniyah Cliney and incoming freshman Araion Bradshaw.

The departure opens another scholarship for next season. The Gamecocks have four available.

Colley played a season-high 24 minutes against Winthrop and shot 35.5 percent from the field in 11 games. She scored a career-high seven points against UNC Greensboro and dished 1.2 assists.

“It all boils down to just being a freshman, and being in a different environment,” Staley said.

This story was originally published January 3, 2016 at 1:56 PM.