ATLANTA, Ga. (March 18, 2003) -- The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) today announced that Jessica Henson of Union University has been named the 2003 NAIA State Farm/WBCA Player of the Year. The WBCA presents this award annually to the top players in each of the five WBCA collegiate divisions (NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, JC/CC and High School) at its National Convention.

"Jessica has had an outstanding season at Union University as her statistics show," said WBCA Chief Executive Officer, Beth Bass. "We are extremely pleased to present Jessica with the State Farm/WBCA Player of the Year award, and look forward to watching her compete as a senior next season at Union University."

Henson, who averaged 17.2 points and 5.3 points per game, received her third straight First Team All-Conference selection as a Lady Bulldog. She helped lead Union University to their eighth straight conference championship. Henson has led the Lady Bulldogs in scoring in each of her three seasons at Union.

Henson will be formally honored this year at the 2003 State Farm Wade Trophy/WBCA Players of the Year presentation at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 7th at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The State Farm Wade Trophy/WBCA Players 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, Ga.

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.