Michaela “Mixu” Moua, the lone senior of the Ohio State women’s basketball team, was dismissed from the squad Tuesday for what Director of Athletics Andy Geiger termed “negativity.”

“Coach (Beth) Burns dismissed Mixu because she felt that Mixu was becoming a negative influence on the younger team members,” Geiger said. “Coach burns felt that it would be better for the team and locker room environments if Moua was no longer a member of OSU basketball.”

Moua could not be reached for comment.

Burns also would not comment further.

Geiger echoed Burns by stating that the decision was not an easy one to make.

“Moua was told shortly before 1 p.m. on Tuesday,” Geiger said, “and the team then met for three hours to discuss what had been decided.”

The choice to dismiss Moua from the team was made only by Burns.

“It would be inappropriate for me to tell coach Burns who should and should not be on her team,” Geiger said. “This is her team and I support her decisions.”

Moua was averaging 10.7 points, a team high, and 4.7 rebounds per game this season and averaged eight points and 3.4 rebounds per game in her career as a Buckeye. She was also a two-time OSU Scholar-Athlete. She will stay at OSU to finish her academic studies.

“I am sorry to see Mixu leave,” Geiger said. “I like Mixu. I just hate to see her career at Ohio State end this way.”