Okde Leaves Women’s Basketball Program

Ragin' Cajuns women's basketball guard Sylvana "Silk" Okde has announced she is leaving the program.

Okde started 53 games in her first two seasons with the Cajuns, but suffered a knee injury prior to the 2014-15 season.  Her playing time diminished after the injury, as she averaged just 5.7 minutes per game last season.

Okde, known for her three point shooting ability, averaged just under eleven points per game her freshman and sophomore seasons, saw her scoring average dip to 1.8 points as a junior.  She started one game this season, but played just four minutes before making her decision.

Okde released a public letter to Cajun fans:

Dear Ragin Cajun Family,

After many weeks of thinking about it, I have finally decided to cut my basketball career a couple of months short effective as of November 18, 2016. I will graduate in May with my Masters in Business and I am honored to receive both degrees from   The University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I felt that now was the right time for me to move on to the next stage of my life and take this time to plan out my future. This was the hardest decision I have ever had to make, but I feel that it was for the best mentally and physically.

The past 4 years have been a fantastic experience getting to play at this University and one I will cherish forever. The wins and losses will be remembered, but what I will remember most are the people: First and foremost my teammates who will be my lifelong friends, my teammates who I can call my sisters, my teammates who helped me battle through my knee injuries and supported me to the end. Second, the fans inside and out of the arena who I cherish dearly and who supported me on and off the court. Third, all of the support from the faculty and staff. And finally, all of the amazing friends I have made while playing and studying here at UL.

Thank you to the City of Lafayette and all my Ragin Cajuns family. You will forever be in my heart!

Sincerely,

Sylvana 'Silk' Okde

#25 ❤️