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Medical diagnosis ends Felicia Aiyeotan’s UVA basketball career

By Christine M. Hopkins

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 15: Virginia's Felicia Aiyeotan (NGA) (30) during the Virginia Cavaliers game versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on February 15, 2018, at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA. (Photo by Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 15: Virginia's Felicia Aiyeotan (NGA) (30) during the Virginia Cavaliers game versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on February 15, 2018, at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA. (Photo by Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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A serious diagnosis begets an uncertain future

Virginia center Felicia Aiyeotan’s college basketball career is over.

In a letter to fans posted Saturday, Aiyeotan said she was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome after “a series of unexpected events” stemming from a November 2018 knee injury.

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“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that I will not be playing basketball this year,” Aiyeotan wrote. “In fact, my collegiate basketball career has ended prematurely. It’s not by choice and I think that has been the hardest aspect to grapple with this year.”

Marfan syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disorder that affects the heart, eyes, blood vessels and bones, according to the Mayo Clinic. While its symptoms are manageable, there is a risk of fatal cardiovascular complications that can be aggravated by intense athletic activity.

“This diagnosis has robbed me and jeopardizes my chance to potentially continue pursuing basketball,” Aiyeotan continued. “It has taken an opportunity away from me to provide for my family in Nigeria. It has stopped me from playing in the game that, arguably, has saved my life.”

Aiyeotan grew up in Nigeria, where she was “isolated by [her] peers” because of her 6-foot-9 frame. Basketball, Aiyeotan wrote, gave her confidence in her body, new perspective on life and an opportunity to come to the United States to further her education and develop her game.

“This recent diagnosis has limited me from doing the one thing I love,” Aiyeotan wrote. “The scary reality of my current situation leaves me confused and frustrated about my future, because I am not quite sure what is next.”

During her sophomore season in 2017-18, Aiyeotan averaged 7.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game and led the ACC in blocked shots. She appeared in seven games in 2018-19, four before and three after the November knee injury.

“We are a family here at Virginia,” said Cavaliers head coach Tina Thompson. “As a program we first grow the hearts of our student athletes and their talents second. I’m not sure if we will ever be able to mend Fe’s heart with this great loss, but we will do everything possible to comfort her and support her in journey of her new normal. It is in fact what family does.”

Thompson had shared at ACC women’s basketball media day on Oct. 3 that there was no timetable for Aiyeotan’s return, only speaking in terms of the injury that hampered her play last season.

Aiyeotan concluded her letter: “I will continue to always be a voice for those who are underrepresented in everything that I do.

“Thank you to the game of basketball for teaching me to always stand tall and be confident in who I am. To my teammates, coaches, support staff, and Wahoo Nation, thank you for making my time as an athlete here worthwhile.

“I will be back.”

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