Arlington, TX – The Dallas Wings announced today forward Karima Christmas-Kelly will undergo season-ending knee surgery and miss the remainder of the 2018 season.

“Any time a team loses a key contributor, it creates a challenge and what Karima means to our squad as a co-captain and leader is about so much more than just on-court performance,” stated Wings President & CEO Greg Bibb. ”Karima is the ultimate competitor and I know she will face this setback like any challenge, and ultimately persevere. I look forward to seeing her return to the court as soon as possible. In the interim, this situation opens the door for our younger players to play more prominent roles for the remainder of this season. I look forward to seeing how they respond to this opportunity as we continue our quest to qualify for the playoffs and ultimately compete for a WNBA Championship.”

Christmas-Kelly who started in six of seven games this season, is scheduled for knee surgery to address an osteochondral defect in her right knee in the upcoming weeks. The Long Beach, Calif. native will have the procedure take place in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Recovery time will take approximately six months.

“Karima will be truly missed this season,” said head coach Fred Williams. “Her mental toughness and leadership is something that can’t be replaced. We support her 100% on her decision to have the surgery on her knee. Knowing her, she will bounce back strong and continue her basketball playing career in the WNBA. She will continue to be a strong voice for us on sidelines to help develop our young team.”

The Wings have been granted a roster hardship exemption and have signed Teana Muldrow of West Virginia, who was drafted by the Seattle Storm in the third round (29th overall) of the 2018 WNBA draft. Muldrow will wear #11 for the Wings.

Muldrow completed her collegiate career averaging 12.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The East Orange, NJ native was West Virginia’s all-time leader in games played with 143. A 2018 All-Big 12 First Team selection, Muldrow was also named a 2018 Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention and was recognized as one of five national finalists for the 2018 Cheryl Miller Award, presented to the nation’s best small forward after averaging 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds in her senior season.