Utah Starzz 2001 third-round WNBA draft pick Shea Ralph re-injured her left knee during an inter-squad scrimmage as part of the NWBL Springfield Spirit in West Springfield, Mass., Feb. 3 while going up for a non-contact lay-up.
Following the injury, results from Ralph's MRI, taken in Connecticut, were inconclusive. On Feb. 21, Ralph met with Dr. James Andrews, who performed her previous surgeries, at the Alabama Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Birmingham where she was diagnosed with her fifth ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear and no further damage.
"The surgery went beautifully and we expect Shea to have success resuming her professional career," said Andrews.
"The Starzz family is thinking of Shea at this time and our thoughts and prayers are with her," coach Candi Harvey said. "She is a very courageous young lady and we all have tremendous respect for her."
Ralph will continue her stay in Alabama until Monday. The 6-foot Kodak All-America led the University of Connecticut to the 2000 NCAA Women's National Championship after returning from back-to-back operations on her right knee in 1997. The MVP of the 2000 NCAA Championship game, Ralph tore her left ACL during the 2001 Big East Championship game and underwent surgery following the 2001 NCAA Tournament. Ralph re-injured her left knee in Connecticut while playing with her dog in July of 2001.