Nov. 15, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley announced today that freshman forward Charenee Stephens will not officially suit up for the Gamecocks until further notice for personal reasons. Stephens continues to participate in team activities but will not play in a game for an undetermined period of time.

“We fully support Charenee and her decision to take time off,” Staley said. “She is and will continue to be an important part of our team, and we look forward to her return as soon as she is ready.”

Stephens joined the Gamecocks after an all-state caliber career at Southwest DeKalb High. The 6-foot-1 forward was tabbed the 33rd-best player in the class of 2008 by Hoopgurlz.com and the fifth-best forward in the country by Scout.com.

The Gamecocks open the 2008-09 season on Sun., Nov. 16, at Penn State. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.