MORGANTOWN — A breathing disorder has ended the college basketball career of former Morgantown High girls’ standout Paige Poffenberger.
Poffenberger was a standout at MHS from 2013-’16 and helped the Mohigans capture three consecutive Class AAA state championships.
She walked-on at the University of Kentucky, where she scored 32 points in 35 career games. She scored 13 points in 14 games last season.
“Never in a million years did I think I’d have the opportunity to play basketball at this level. God has blessed me beyond measure and surprised me in ways I cannot even comprehend. As was released from the team, I am medically retiring from the game of basketball due to a breathing condition that prevents me from competing at the Division I level,” Poffenberger said in a Facebook post. “This is definitely not how I expected my career to end, but I’m along for the ride with whatever God has in store! To all the people that have given up their time to mold me as an athlete over the years, I could never thank you enough. I will continue to be part of the program this year and contribute in any way I can. I will love this game forever, and I’m excited for whatever this new chapter will bring!”
Poffenberger will remain with the team and will take part in Senior Day activities later this season, according to the school.
She is on pace to graduate in 2020 and is majoring is majoring in biology with aspirations of going to medical school. Poffenberger has plans to study in Spain next year.
“Anyone who watched Paige play basketball knows how tough her retirement from the game is on her and our program. However, this decision was made with the best long-term interest of Paige in mind,” Kentucky head coach Matthew Mitchell said in the school’s release. “Our program is built on honesty, hard work and discipline, and Paige is the perfect embodiment of those traits. She became part of our program at a time when it needed her the most and the intangibles she possesses like unmatched passion and quality leadership will continue to add great value to our program.”
