Since nobody has presented any unequivocal evidence as to why Boykin left, I have no choice but to use my imagination and suggest the following possibilities:
1. Academics- Boykin struggled and could not perform her classwork satisfactorily, stressing her out and prompting her to look to move on.
2. Basketball- Boykin realized soon after practice began that she was in over her head skills-wise and likely would never be a starter (even after her wrist healed.) Seeing Lou, Gabby, Napheesa and Natalie (AND the 4 returning starters) might have given her pause to question her own ability to get minutes. Sadly, she left without ever putting in the effort to actually find out. A Sadie Edwards-like move, in my book.
3. The Coaches- Geno, CD and the coaching staff were much tougher and far more demanding than the smiling, sweetie-pies they appeared to be while recruiting Boykin.
4. The Program- The pressure, expectations, and constant public scrutiny of playing for the 10 x National Champions was just overwhelming.
5. After spending time living with our kids in Storrs, Boykin decided Lou, Napheesa, Gabby et al. were really mean and rotten and she didn't want to be around them...Nahhhhhhhhh.
I think it was probably a little of 1, 2, 3, and 4. No way 5! But more of #2 than any other. My complete shot in the dark.
For some the freshman hump is simply too much to get over without taking a step back to regroup. I have seen many a student go off to the school of their dreams only to transfer closer to home. These not being scholarship athletes, rather just an academic student with much less on their plate.
