The playing career of Western Washington University women's basketball team co-captain Erika Ramstead ended as it was determined the right foot she injured in mid-December has a stress fracture that will require surgery.

"The leadership, hard work and dedication she has shown throughout her career has been incredible," WWU coach Carmen Dolfo said in a news release. "It's so disappointing that it has to end this way. But she is here totally for the team and will continue to lead from the sideline."

Ramstead, a 6-foot senior forward from Everson and a graduate of Nooksack Valley High School, will be a student assistant for the Vikings the rest of this campaign as well as next year. She started eight of 11 games in which she appeared this season, averaging 2.7 points and 4.6 rebounds.