In an interview conducted earlier in the year, Hollie Cook said, "I think that because I'm an athlete, I have a lot of desire, heart, and motivation."
In Cook's case, it turns out that "a lot" was just not enough, as she will not be returning to the UB women's basketball team for the 2004 season.
After performing well in her freshman season, with game averages of 5.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and six assists, Cook was able to wear her number 23 jersey for only eight games of her sophomore season. The guard, hailing from Horseheads, NY, was indefinitely suspended after the UB women's basketball game at Colorado.
According to Heidi Roth, the Associate Director of Athletic Communications for UB, Cook became academically ineligible after the fall semester.
"She became academically ineligible and was indefinitely suspended at that time," said Roth.
At the time of the suspension, head coach Cheryl Dozier said that there was a lack of focus on the academic side of things.
"She really needs to have an understanding of how committed you need to be at this institution, and until she can show me that she is committed to that side of it, she will no longer be with our basketball team," said Dozier in an interview in January.
Cook failed to improve her grades this semester and will not be returning to the court as a Buffalo Bull next season, according to Roth.
"She has not improved her grades enough to get her to be eligible," said Roth. "She definitely will not be returning to the team next year."
Cook could not be reached for comment.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
