The NCAA has granted DePaul guard Deirdre Naughton a sixth year of eligibility after missing last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee.
Naughton injured the knee in the first half of the game against Northwestern on Nov. 24, 2009.
''Last season's injury was a crushing blow for our team and most importantly to Deirdre Naughton,'' DePaul coach Doug Bruno said. ''Deirdre has put her whole life into the game of basketball and to be rewarded for her lifetime effort just seems to be the right and fair decision.''
She transferred to DePaul in the wake of family medical issues after playing her freshman season at Wake Forest in 2005-06. Naughton then sat out the 2006-07 season under NCAA transfer guidelines.
''I am looking forward to getting back on the court after seven months of rehab,'' said Naughton, who has averaged 15.3 points in her two seasons at DePaul. ''I have been really lucky to have the support of my teammates, the coaching staff and therapists and can't wait to wear the DePaul uniform again this season.''
The Blue Demons return all five starters from last season's team that made its eighth consecutive and 15th NCAA tournament appearance.
DePaul opens the season by hosting Valparaiso in the opening round of the WNIT on Nov. 12.
