NEW YORK — New York Liberty guard Shoni Schimmel will take the upcoming WNBA season off to deal with “personal issues” and hopes to return to the Liberty next year.

The Liberty and Shoni Schimmel released a joint statement on Saturday. Liberty President Isiah Thomas says Schimmel has “the full support” of the organization and looks forward to “continuing to work with Shoni during her time away from the game.”

Shoni “Showtime” Schimmel was picked eighth by Atlanta in the 2014 WNBA draft after leading Louisville to the 2013 NCAA final and being chosen to participate in the USA university games. She was traded to New York from Atlanta last season and averaged 2.1 points over 17 games.