Lexington, Kentucky, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Kentucky women’s basketball player Dominika Paurova has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, sidelining her indefinitely. The redshirt sophomore was expected to be a key contributor for the Wildcats this season. Previously, she played at Oregon State, averaging 5.5 points per game. With the season opener approaching, Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks will rely on returning players to fill the gap left by Paurova’s absence, which raises questions about the team’s performance moving forward.
Lexington, Kentucky – Kentucky women’s basketball guard Dominika Paurova has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and is out indefinitely, as announced by the team on Thursday. This setback is particularly troubling for the team as Paurova was expected to play a significant role in the upcoming season.
Paurova, a redshirt sophomore, previously competed for the Czech Republic’s senior national team and spent her freshman season with Oregon State during the 2023-24 season. While at Oregon State, she averaged 5.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Her contributions helped the team advance to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament that year.
This latest injury marks a continuation of challenges for Paurova, who underwent a previous ACL tear before joining the Kentucky Wildcats, causing her to miss the entire prior season. Details regarding whether this injury affects the same knee as the previous one remain unclear, adding to the uncertainty surrounding her rehabilitation process.
The Wildcats are gearing up for their season opener against Morehead State on November 3, 2025. With Paurova’s contributions now in question, Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks will need to rely on returning players, who collectively accounted for 46.7% of the team’s scoring and 70.9% of the rebounding in the last season. The team enters the season ranked No. 24 in the preseason Associated Press poll, indicating solid expectations from analysts and fans.
Key returning players include Clara Strack, Teonni Key, and Amelia Hassett, all of whom are expected to step up to fill the void left by Paurova’s absence. There are also hopes for other players, such as Lexi Blue, Josie Gilvin, and Kaelyn Carroll, to contribute significantly to the team’s backcourt depth. The depth the team has built over the past seasons is crucial, especially as they adapt to Paurova’s unexpected injury.
Paurova was noted for her shooting ability and defensive versatility, which were anticipated to enhance the Wildcats’ gameplay this season. Recently, she had achieved progress in her rehabilitation and had even been cleared to shoot jump shots back in February 2025, raising expectations for her return. However, with the recent lower leg injury sidelining her, her absence will likely alter the team dynamics considerably.
As the Kentucky women’s basketball team prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on how they can adapt without Paurova’s presence. Her injury is a blow to the program, but the resilience of the returning players and recruits will be put to the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What injury has Dominika Paurova sustained?
Paurova has torn her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and is out indefinitely. - Which team did Paurova play for before joining Kentucky?
Paurova played for Oregon State during her freshman season. - What are Paurova’s expected contributions to the team?
Paurova was expected to be a significant depth piece for Kentucky, enhancing the team’s backcourt with her shooting and defensive skills. - When does the Kentucky women’s basketball team start their season?
The Wildcats will open their season at home on November 3, 2025, against Morehead State. - How will Kentucky adapt to Paurova’s absence?
The team will rely on returning players and hope others can step up in her absence.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Dominika Paurova |
| Injury | Torn ACL |
| Status | Out indefinitely |
| Former Team | Oregon State |
| Average Stats (Freshman Year) | 5.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists |
| Team Ranking (Preseason) | No. 24 |
| Season Opener | November 3, 2025, vs Morehead State |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Celebrating 50 Years of Women’s Basketball with All-Time Greats
Additional Resources
- Manistee News: Dominika Paurova Faces Another Setback
- Kentucky.com: Dominika Paurova Injury Update
- On3: Paurova Out for Season
- The Star: Paurova Faces Another Setback
- Google Search: Dominika Paurova
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