"The decision I have made to transfer has possibly been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make thus far in my life," she said. "When you are surrounded with such amazing teammates, coaches and support staff, you grow a family that is hard to leave. But through personal prayer and much thought, I have decided this will be my new path."

Belles, a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, was originally recruited out of high school by BYU after she earned All-State honors three times in her career at Ithaca High School. The move leaves Cyndi Dodd and Taiyier Parks as the remaining centers on Michigan State's roster.

Merchant wished Belles well in a statement and said that she will always be a Spartan.

"We loved having Kayla Belles part of our program and while disappointed she is leaving, we wish her nothing but the very best at an institution that aligns her faith and personal endeavors," she said. "She and her family are first class people, and they will always be part of our Spartan Family."

With Belles' departure, Michigan State has now gained and lost a player to the transfer portal this week. Jayla James, previously a guard for Penn State, announced her decision to transfer to MSU on Monday.