Taryn Griffey was one of the more sought after guards in the country after being named 8A player of the year in Washington, however, sometimes luck just isn’t on your side. Such is the case for Griffey, a player with athletic potential and intelligence unable to overcome the hurdles of injury through her career.

Griffey has battled injuries for five of the past six seasons dating back to her junior year of high school. During the times she was on the court, she showed promise averaging over seven points a game including a career high of 19 just a season ago.

“Taryn will be truly missed,” said Arizona women’s basketball head coach Adia Barnes. “I wish that I would have had the opportunity to coach her for four years. She has been through a lot of injuries and I know first hand how difficult that is. Taryn is going to do amazing things in her life and she will always be a part of our family.”

Griffey came to Arizona as part of former head coach Niya Butts final recruiting class. Her brother, Trey, was already a member of the football team and in turn made the UA a family affair as dad, Ken, would often be seen in the stands taking photos of both kids.

Griffey was one of four returning players from a season ago, down to three now with only Lucia Alonso, Destiny Graham and Jalea Bennett remaining. Former guard Charise Holloway departed earlier this summer as a graduate transfer to Santa Clara.

“It is no secret that over these past few years I have dealt with multiple injuries that have caused me to either sit out a few games or an entire season,” said Griffey in a statement from Arizona Athletics. “…I have decided that it’s best for me and my future health to walk away from the game of basketball. Nothing has changed though, that little girl that fell in love with the game of basketball 19 years ago hasn’t changed, just the circumstances.”

In her statement Griffey indicated she would still be around the team, in what capacity remains to be determined. 

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