Hartig leaves UVa

Much was made about Virginia’s recruitment of Erinn Thompson, a 6-foot-4 post player from North Carolina.

That talk became even more meaningful Tuesday as Virginia coach Debbie Ryan announced that post player Kelly Hartig has transferred to Colorado-Denver.

Hartig, who averaged 1.4 points and 2.6 rebounds last year, appeared in 60 collegiate games in her two seasons at Virginia — starting 32 as a sophomore — and was expected to help fill the void of former center Aisha Mohammed.

While the perimeter appears secure with the return of Paulisha Kellum and the skills of Monica Wright, concerns linger in the paint.

Ryan could ask Abby Robertson, who missed the past season, to return or rely on newcomers such as Thompson and Simone Egwu, who is 6-foot-3.

As for her decision, Hartig said it was not with basketball in mind and playing the sport is not in her imminent future.

“I have chosen to leave the University of Virginia for personal reasons and at this time I have no plans to continue playing college basketball,” Hartig said through a released statement.

Ryan praised Hartig for her contributions during her two seasons.

“We will really miss Kelly, but we support her decision to change directions academically,” Ryan said. “She was an integral part of our program these past two years and we all wish her the best in the future.”

Hartig’s sister, Jayna, remains on the UVa team as a redshirt junior forward.