Former Lady Vol suffers season-ending injury in WNBA

Former Tennessee women's basketball player Rickea Jackson suffered a season-ending injury Sunday in Chicago's, 86-79, victory against Minnesota. Jackson, a forward for the Sky, has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, the team announced after she underwent a MRI. She will have surgery on a date to be determined.

"We're devastated that Rickea suffered this injury, but we are confident she will make a full recovery," Chicago general manager Jeff Pagliocca said . "Rickea was playing at an All-Star and All-Defensive level early in the season. We are certain she was primed for a career year.

Our world-class medical staff will work hard with Rickea, who is one of the toughest players in the league, to get her back on the court. " Jackson was traded to the Sky from Los Angeles for Ariel Atkins on April 12. She was selected by the Sparks in the 2024 WNBA draft (No.

4 overall). Jackson played at Tennessee from 2022-24 after transferring from Mississippi State. The former Lady Vol averaged 20.