Freshman point guard Angel Goodrich will have to wait one more season before she can play for Kansas. The true freshman tore her ACL during Sunday’s practice and will be out for the entire season.

Coach Bonnie Henrickson solemnly addressed the media Monday, informing them of the injury.

“At media day, I said I wouldn’t hide my excitement for what I thought she could do for our program, and I’m not going to try to hide my disappointment for her, personally,” Henrickson said.

Henrickson said the injury happened one hour into the team’s second practice Sunday afternoon. After executing a crossover dribble, Goodrich landed wrong on her left leg and went down. Goodrich’s six-month recovery period will begin with surgery, which will take place next Wednesday.

Goodrich was a top prospect from the class of 2008 and most likely would have seen substantial playing time this season. During her senior year of high school, Goodrich averaged 14 points, six assists, five steals and four rebounds per game. Her high school play also earned her a WBCA/State Farm All-American Honors and a McDonald’s All-American nomination.

The news of Goodrich’s injury came when the excitement from Friday’s Late Night in the Phog celebration was still lingering. In the women’s scrimmage, Goodrich had two points and four assists for the red team, showcasing her ability to compete at the collegiate level.

Henrickson stressed that although Goodrich’s injury is unfortunate, the Jayhawks will still be a solid team with four returning starters.

“We’re disappointed for her, but we’ve got returning players who are experienced,” she said. “For some, it’s a door that opens and for others it’s having to be asked to do a little bit more.”

Henrickson said that Goodrich’s teammates were upset but that she knew they would be able to regroup.

“It didn’t take them long to say we can get it done and we’re confident in each other,” she said.

If the surgery and rehabilitation are successful, Goodrich will return as a redshirt freshman for the 2009-10 season.

The Jayhawks will take the court for the first time this season on Nov. 2 against Fort Hays State for an exhibition game. The regular season begins Nov. 14 when Kansas plays Sacred Heart.