Aug. 2, 2005

WACO, Texas - Baylor junior forward Emily Niemann (Houston, Texas) has requested her release from the University to transfer from the Lady Bear program, head coach Kim Mulkey-Robertson announced Tuesday evening.

"It is with shock and personal disappointment that we announce Emily Niemann is leaving our program," said Mulkey-Robertson, who is on a family vacation and will have no further comment on Niemann's transfer request. "While on vacation this week I received an e-mail from Emily informing me that she wishes to leave Baylor. According to Emily's e-mail, she does not believe she can reach her full potential in our program.

"Following the success Emily achieved the past two years and the vital role she played in our team winning a National Championship, we were stunned by her decision and it could not have come at a worse time with school starting in two weeks," she added. "We have built this program with players who are interested in the team concept and who want what is best for Baylor women's basketball. We will continue to do so in the future."

Niemann was the third-leading scorer on Baylor's 2005 NCAA and Big 12 champion women's basketball team, averaging 9.8 points per game for a team which finished 33-3 overall and 14-2 in the Big 12. She averaged 3.1 rebounds per contest and shot a team-leading 46.7 percent from 3-point range.

"Due to the timing and circumstances of this request, Baylor University has denied Emily permission to speak with another institution about transferring," Baylor Director of Athletics Ian McCaw said. "In accordance with NCAA regulations and our policies and procedures, Emily has requested an appeals hearing and that committee will convene in the near future to render its final decision on her request. Until that process is completed, we will have no additional comment on her status."