ATLANTA, Ga. (March 18, 2003) -- The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced Lakiste Barkus from Trinity Valley Community College The State Farm/WBCA Junior College/Community College (JC/CC) 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.

Barkus led the NJCAA Region XIV in scoring, averaging 20.8 points per game. She also was number two in assists (5.8) and steals (3.2), was named All-Conference and All-Region and was the Conference MVP. To cap off an outstanding season, Barkus guided her team to a Texas Eastern Conference regular season Championship.

"Lakiste has had an outstanding career at Trinity Valley," said WBCA Chief Executive Officer, Beth Bass. "We are extremely pleased to present Lakiste with the Junior College/ Community College 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 10-member WBCA Player of the Year Committee chaired by Lydon Hardin, South Plains College, consisting of one WBCA-member coach from each of the nine WBCA JC/CC Regions. Barkus 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.