Heather Harris granted a release

The team's leading scoring is interested in pursuing an academic major which YSU doesn't offer.
VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State University granted permission Thursday to sophomore Heather Harris to be released from her basketball scholarship. She will leave school after the semester.
Harris, a 6-foot forward who led the Penguins in scoring last season, has chosen to pursue recreation and sports management, something Youngstown State doesn't offer.
"I've been wanting to pursue this major," Harris said Thursday night. "[The other majors] are just not cutting it.
"This has been weighing on me all year," Harris added. "I've tried to change my major, but nothing's worked."
Academic: Her reason for wanting to leave being academic in nature, Harris approached Youngstown State coach Ed DiGregorio and requested the change.
"He didn't want to release me at the time, but after I told him it was for academics, he decided to release me," Harris said.
DiGregorio declined to comment when reached at his home Thursday afternoon.
Asked how she felt upon being released, Harris said, "It was good. I was worried I'd have to appeal."
Harris, a native of Philo, said she has not yet decided on another college but still plans to continue her basketball career.
Leader: Harris started 27 of 28 games last season, averaging a team-high 14.4 points per game. She shot 49 percent from the field and a team-high 50 percent from 3-point range.
As a freshman, Harris averaged 7.7 points while appearing in 27 of 28 games, including 12 starts.
"I'm gonna miss my teammates," Harris said. "I just have to do what's best for me."