MTSU's Mykia Dowdell transferring to ETSU

After just one season, Middle Tennessee State freshman forward Mykia Dowdell announced on Twitter on Tuesday that she was transferring to East Tennessee State.

"This past year has been hard for me and believe me when I say that basketball at the next level is tough," Dowdell said in the post. "I have prayed night in and night out about the decision I have made and for my best interests I needed to surround myself with people who cared for me not only as a player but as a person as well My heart has led me home."

The freshman saw action in 12 games for the Lady Raiders, scoring six points on the season, with four coming in the season-opening win against Vanderbilt. 

Dowdell played at Oak Ridge, where she scored more than 1,500 points during her high school career. She made 132 consecutive starts and led the Lady Wildcats to consecutive state tournament appearances her junior and senior seasons. 

"Transferring isn't easy but at the end of the day you have to do what's best for you," Dowdell said. "The relationships I've built at Middle Tennessee will forever remain with my teammates and that is something I am forever thankful for."

Dowdell will need to sit out the 2019-20 season and will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Reach Joe Spears at jspears2@gannett.com or 731-343-4923. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @joe_spears7.