Without playing even a single game, the Texas women’s basketball team has already suffered a huge loss.

Cokie Reed, sophomore post player and a member of the Big 12’s All-Freshman team, was ruled out for the 2010-2011 season after undergoing foot surgery last Friday. The procedure involved removing an extra bone and repairing a tendon.

Reed’s on-court presence will be missed. Last season, she averaged more than eight points and four rebounds a game in conference action. She also averaged nearly 17 minutes per contest. Junior Ashley Gayle will likely fill Reed’s shoes as far as minutes go.

Head coach Gail Goestenkors stressed the importance of the team rallying around its injured teammate and friend and said Reed’s absence will force the team to grow closer.

“My heart goes out to Cokie and our entire team,” Goestenkors said. “However, just like any close-knit family that is faced with adversity, Cokie and our team will become stronger because of this.”

There is no word yet of a timetable for her return.