Originally published November 20, 2009 at 4:17 PM | Page modified November 20, 2009 at 9:28 PM

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UW Women's Hoops | UW's Lydia Young to have career-ending knee surgery

The senior forward has patellofemoral syndrome, which prevents her knee cap from sliding smoothly.

By Jayda Evans

Seattle Times staff reporter

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Washington senior Lydia Young will undergo career-ending knee surgery in two weeks. The date hasn't been confirmed, but Young was told by doctors that she has chondromalacia patella.

It's a condition where the knee cap doesn't slide smoothly along the groove of the thigh bone, causing pain. Young has a severe case and was told she would never play basketball again.

Final word came on Nov. 9 after Washington (1-1) played Corban College. She will remain on scholarship, working toward a degree in American Ethnic Studies.

"I do feel a little empty," said Young, who surrounded herself with teammates upon hearing the news. She wasn't made available to media until Friday.

"My teammates held me," she said. "It was the first time and last time I remember breaking down just for the fact that I'm trying to keep positive and not get into deep depression mode like some might take it."

Washington coach Tia Jackson was hopeful Young would be an asset to the program. A 5-foot-11 forward, Young was suspended for one game last year but started six in her 27 appearances. She averaged 2.5 points and 2.9 rebounds during the 8-22 season.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com

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