April 7, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
Amber Shelton, a two-year starter for the Illinois State University women's basketball team, has elected not to return to Illinois State in 2006-07. The former all-stater at Carrollton and Edwardsville High Schools will return to her home area.
In 2005-06, the 5-foot-10 forward averaged 12.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists for the Redbirds. During her freshman season, she helped Illinois State advance to the 2005 NCAA Tournament after winning the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship.
Shelton said she enjoyed being a Redbird student-athlete and playing for head coach Robin Pingeton, but is leaving Illinois State strictly for personal reasons.
"My departure from Illinois State is solely based on personal reasons," said Shelton. "I have the utmost respect for the coaching staff, the players, the program, the community and the university itself. I would like to stress that my decision in no way reflects the coaching staff, players, the program, the community, or the university."
Redbird coach Robin Pingeton wasn't surprised by Shelton's decision, but wishes the decision had been different.
"To be honest, Amber's departure does not come as a total surprise," said Pingeton. "We have talked at length a number of times and, at this point, Amber has decided that living closer to her boyfriend has taken a top priority in her life. That is very unfortunate, because she is a very gifted basketball player. While we still care very much about Amber, we are, quite frankly, disappointed in her decision."
Pingeton is grateful for Shelton's efforts over the past two years.
"Amber had two great seasons with us," said Pingeton. "Certainly, she helped us to move this program forward in a very positive direction."
Even with Shelton's departure, the Redbirds will return 11 letterwinners for the 2006-07 season.
