CHAMPAIGN – Fighting Illini sophomore Arieal Scott (Danville, Illinois) is stepping away from the women's basketball team to focus on health and wellness.

Scott has been granted a medical noncounter waiver, which will allow her to remain on scholarship and not count toward Illinois' scholarship limit, while continuing to pursue her degree at the University of Illinois. 

"While we are disappointed that Arieal will not join us on the court, we are supportive of the decision to focus on her health," head coach Nancy Fahey said. "Student-athlete wellness is of the utmost importance and we are thankful that she will have the opportunity to continue to pursue her degree on scholarship at the University of Illinois while focusing on personal needs."

Scott played in 26 games for the Orange and Blue during the 2018-19 campaign, averaging 8.8 points. She earned two starts during her freshman season and led the Illini with 48 three-pointers on the year.

Stay tuned to FightingIllini.com for the latest on Illinois women's basketball.