AMES, Iowa - Nina Smith, who transferred last fall to Iowa State University from the University of Wisconsin, has announced that she will discontinue her basketball career, but remain a student at Iowa State.

"Nina has decided not to continue her basketball career. This is entirely her decision and we wish her the very best," head coach Bill Fennelly said. "I am excited that she has decided to stay at Iowa State and finish her education. Nina has the chance to impact our University in a very positive manner off the basketball court."

Smith, a native of Waterloo, Iowa, played at Wisconsin for two years before transferring to Iowa State in 2001. She was the 1999 High School Player of the Year (USA Today, Parade Magazine) and considered the top prep recruit in the nation. The 6-4 center averaged 28.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 3.7 blocked shots at Waterloo West High School.

Smith started the first nine games of her freshman season at Wisconsin, but missed 17 of 18 conference games with a broken foot. She averaged 10.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 23.2 minutes her initial season and 11.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 26.8 minutes as a sophomore. She played in 42 games during her two-year Badger career, starting 37 contests.