Arizona forward Montaya Dew, a top-10 recruit whose promising career was derailed by injuries, announced her medical retirement from basketball Tuesday.
Dew suffered two major knee injuries during her time at Arizona. She spent three-plus seasons with the Wildcats but played part of only one season, appearing in 29 games during the 2024-25 campaign. Dew averaged 2.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 19.9 minutes per game.
Dew suffered the second knee injury on Feb. 25, 2025. She remained with the program this past season but was never healthy enough to play.
Dew announced her medical retirement in an Instagram post.
“Wildcat family,” she wrote. “It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my medical retirement from basketball.
Forward Montaya Dew talks to a reporter during media day for the Arizona women’s basketball team at Richard Jefferson Gymnasium on Sept. 30, 2025.
“This game has given me so much more than I could have ever imagined.
“Wearing Arizona across my chest was truly an honor, and being a part of this program and community is something I will always be grateful for.
“Thank you to my teammates, coaches, trainers and the entire Wildcat community for the love and support throughout this journey. The memories and relationships I gained here will stay with me forever.
“Forever grateful. Forever a Wildcat.”
Dew’s decision and other transfer-portal announcements mean that three players who were on Becky Burke’s first team will be returning for 2026-27: guards Sumayah Sugapong and Molly Ladwig and center Callie Hinder, who enrolled in January.
Six players who were on that roster are expected to enter the portal, which officially opens April 6: guards Tanyuel Welch, Kamryn Kitchen and Mireia Jurado; forwards Blessing Adebanjo and Daniah Trammell; and center Achol Magot.
