Iowa women’s basketball player Kathy Thomas asked for, and was granted, release from her scholarship and permission to transfer to another school, head coach Lisa Bluder announced Wednesday.

“We appreciate Kathy’s effort and contributions this past season,” Bluder said in a release. “Kathy indicated she wants to be closer to home, and we have granted her request. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

The sophomore guard averaged six minutes, 1.6 points, 0.5 assists, and 0.8 rebounds over the course of 32 games in the 2012-13 season in which the Hawkeyes finished 21-13 and earned their sixth-consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, in which they beat the Miami before falling to Notre Dame in the second round.

“I would like to thank the coaches for giving me this opportunity," Thomas said in a release. "They are tremendous people. I would also like to thank my teammates. I have never been around such an intelligent group of young ladies who work hard every day.

“This is a hard decision for me. As a player who loves the game of basketball, I have to make the right decision for me and my future. I will never forget the opportunities Iowa has given me.”