Colorado Buffaloes Guard Kennedy Sanders Out for Season After Hip Surgery

Colorado Buffaloes point guard Kennedy Sanders will miss the rest of the season. She requires surgery to repair a torn labrum and hip impingement. The redshirt sophomore has not played since mid-December.

This is a significant blow for the women’s basketball program. According to a report in the Daily Camera, the injuries originated during offseason conditioning last August.

Details of the Injury and Recovery Timeline

Coach JR Payne confirmed the season-ending decision this week. Sanders had started all 10 games she appeared in this season. She was averaging 9.9 points per game before the pain became unmanageable.

Payne expressed the deep loss to the team. She highlighted Sanders’s leadership and calming presence on the court. The coach told the Daily Camera that Sanders is respected as much for her character as her play.

This marks the second major injury setback of Sanders’s college career. She missed her entire freshman season due to a broken foot. Sanders is expected to apply for a medical redshirt and target a return for the 2026-27 season.

The player herself is looking forward to being pain-free. Sanders stated she cannot remember the last time she played without discomfort. She plans to support her teammates from the sidelines during her recovery.

Impact on Colorado’s Season and Big 12 Prospects

Colorado enters the heart of Big 12 play with a major void. The team already lost its conference opener to Arizona State. Sanders’s absence exacerbates existing offensive struggles.

The Buffaloes rank near the bottom of the Big 12 in three-point shooting. They also average a high number of turnovers per game. Sanders was one of the team’s more reliable free-throw and three-point shooters.

Her defensive energy will also be missed. Sanders averaged nearly two steals per game this season. She recorded a career-high five steals in one contest.

The team hopes for a boost from guard Claire O’Connor’s return from injury. However, replacing Sanders’s minutes and production will require a collective effort. Players like Jade Masogayo and Zyanna Walker will need to step up for postseason hopes.

The loss of Kennedy Sanders reshapes Colorado’s season. Her surgery and lengthy recovery are another tough break for the promising guard. The Buffaloes must now navigate a competitive Big 12 schedule without a key starter.

Info at your fingertips

What injury does Kennedy Sanders have?

Kennedy Sanders has a torn labrum and a hip impingement. These injuries require season-ending surgery to repair. They stem from conditioning work last summer.

When will Kennedy Sanders return to play?

Sanders is expected to apply for a medical redshirt. This would allow her to return for the 2026-27 season. She will miss the remainder of this season and all of next.

How did Sanders perform this season before her injury?

She started 10 games, averaging 9.9 points. Sanders was a strong defender, averaging 1.9 steals. She also led qualified Buffs in free-throw percentage.

How does this affect the Colorado Buffaloes?

It is a major loss for their backcourt and leadership. The team struggles with shooting and ball security. Her absence makes a competitive Big 12 slate even tougher.

Has Sanders missed significant time before?

Yes, she missed her entire freshman season. That was due to a broken foot. Her college career has been severely hampered by injuries.

Trusted Sources

Daily Camera, University of Colorado Athletics.