ATLANTA, Ga. (March 21, 2003) -- The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced Kendra Anderson from Hardin-Simmons University The State Farm/WBCA Division III Player of the Year. The WBCA presents this award annually to the top players in each of the five WBCA collegiate divisions (Divisions I, II, III, NAIA and JC/CC) at its’ National Convention.

Kendra Anderson, a 5-9 senior forward from Hardin-Simmons, has had one of the top seasons and careers ever by a Hardin-Simmons Cowgirl. She is averaging 19.6 points and 9.9 rebounds this season and has led the Cowgirls to a 27-0 record and the first No. 1 national ranking in school history. She is a three-time American Southwest Conference MVP and was named All-Conference for the third time this season. Anderson has led the Cowgirls to four Sweet 16’s and one Elite Eight in her career. Despite being ranked No. 1 Hardin-Simmons fell to Trinity (Texas) 67-61 at the Sectional semi-final game.

"Anderson has had an outstanding career at Hardin-Simmons," said WBCA Chief Executive Officer, Beth Bass. "We are extremely pleased to present Lakiste with the State Farm/WBCA Player of the Year award, and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.”

The State Farm/WBCA Player of the Year Award is selected by the 9-member WBCA Player of the Year Committee chaired by Debra Hunter, Austin College, consisting of one WBCA-member coach from each of the eight WBCA Division III Regions. Anderson will be formally presented this year to the WBCA coaches and convention registrants at the State Farm/WBCA Player of the Year Presentation on Monday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The State Farm/WBCA Player of the Year presentation is part of the 2003 WBCA National Convention, held in conjunction with the NCAA Division I Women's Final Four in Atlanta.

Founded in 1981, the WBCA promotes women’s basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game in all of its aspects as an amateur sport for women and girls.