Upperman's Akira Levy requests release from letter of intent to Western Kentucky

Two-time Class AA Miss Basketball Akira Levy plans to reopen her recruitment after being granted her release from Western Kentucky, the senior confirmed to The Tennessean on Wednesday.

Levy has been told verbally her request to be released from her letter of intent will be granted, Upperman coach Dana McWilliams said. However, as of Wednesday the paperwork hadn't yet been set.

"I think right now she wants to go to a successful program and to a place where she has a good connection with the coach," McWilliams said.

Levy, who helped lead Upperman to its second consecutive state championship earlier this month, signed with the Lady Hilltoppers in November. She is rated as the No. 66 prospect in the country for the Class of 2018 and the No. 18 point guard.

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The standout point guard asked to be released from her letter of intent after WKU women's coach Michelle Clark-Heard was named the Cincinnati women's coach on Tuesday.

"I wanted my release because coach Heard would no longer be at WKU, and she was a big part of why I committed there," Levy wrote The Tennessean in a Twitter direct message. "I'm unsure of where I want to visit right now. I am just keeping my options open."

Western Kentucky assistant Greg Collins was named Clark-Heard's replacement on Tuesday after her departure was announced.

Levy cannot sign with another team until the regular signing period begins on April 11. The signing period runs until May 16 for NCAA Division I programs.

Levy, a four-year starter for the Lady Bees, averaged 25.3 points, 9.4 assists and 4.8 steals this past season.

Reach Tom Kreager at tkreager@tennessean.com or 615-259-8089 and on Twitter @Kreager.