Vanderbilt women's basketball player Demi Washington out for season with myocarditis

Vanderbilt women's basketball player Demi Washington tweeted that she will miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with myocarditis following a COVID-19 positive case.

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection, including COVID-19. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath and arrhythmias.

Washington, a sophomore guard, did not play in Vanderbilt's season-opening 82-74 loss at Little Rock on Saturday. The Commodores' first three games were canceled because of COVID-19 either within their program or the opponent's.

On Monday night, Washington tweeted that she will not play the 2020-21 season.

"Following a case of COVID-19, I have recently been diagnosed with myocarditis and will not be able to play this season," Washington tweeted. "While I am disappointed, I look forward to supporting my teammates and returning to the court soon. #AnchorDown"

A Vanderbilt athletic department spokesperson declined comment.

The SEC guidelines for COVID-19 management require each player testing positive to undergo cardiac tests to detect acute myocarditis and other heart-related complications of COVID-19.

Washington was a four-star recruit and ranked No. 96 in the 2019 signing class in ESPN HoopGurlz. Last season, she played 29 games, including 11 starts. Washington averaged 3.8 points per game along with 40 rebounds, 14 steals and 13 assists.

Reach Adam Sparks at asparks@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.