CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -University of North Carolina junior attackman Nicky Galasso (West Islip, N.Y.) has been granted a release to explore transfer options effective immediately, UNC head men's lacrosse coach Joe Breschi announced Tuesday.
Galasso has indicated he plans to complete the fall semester academically at UNC before transferring for the spring semester to another NCAA Division I lacrosse program.
"Obviously, it's disappointing to have a young man like Nicky leave our program. We appreciate all that he has brought to Carolina lacrosse over the past two years and we wish him the best of luck both academically and athletically at his new school. Nicky leaves here in great academic standing and we're proud of the way he achieved in the classroom at UNC," said Breschi.
As a freshman in 2011, Galasso was the ACC Freshman of the Year, just the fourth in UNC history, and a third-team USILA All-America at attack. He led UNC in scoring with 56 points that season including 24 goals and a UNC freshman record 32 assists.
After breaking his foot in November 2011, Galasso returned to the Tar Heels in February 2012 but was never at full strength during the course of the season. He saw action last year in a reserve role and as an extra-man specialist as junior Marcus Holman and freshmen Jimmy Bitter and Joey Sankey played the starting roles on the attack unit. All three of those players return to the Carolina lineup this season. Galasso had six goals and three assists for nine points while playing in 13 games last season.