Kelly Crull will not return as OKC Thunder sideline reporter

“The option year in my Thunder contract provided me with an opening to explore other broadcasting avenues and I am thrilled about my upcoming career opportunities,” Crull said. “During my four years in Oklahoma, I met so many wonderful people and got to be involved in a number of meaningful charity events. I'm going to miss the team and the area a lot. The Thunder has a lot to look forward to in the future.”

Crull, 28, said her agent is exploring some attractive broadcasting opportunities but declined to name the companies involved.

Dan Mahoney, Thunder vice president of communications and community relations, said the team is in the process of hiring a new sideline reporter.

A 2006 University of Missouri graduate, Crull joined the Thunder in August 2010 after spending the previous two years as a sports reporter for KOCO-5. She began her sportscasting career at WLFI-TV in West Lafayette, Ind.

Crull starred as a tennis player and point guard at Noblesville (Ind.) High School, and received a tennis scholarship at Missouri.