The Missouri State women’s basketball team gained another newcomer Tuesday (May 13) with the addition of transfer Kendra Roberts, a 5-7 shooting guard out of Fort Smith, Ark. Roberts, who played two seasons at the University of Arkansas, will have two years of eligibility remaining after sitting out the 2008-09 season per NCAA transfer guidelines.

At Arkansas, Roberts saw action in 37 games over two seasons, including 23 contests last season, when she contributed 1.1 points and 0.8 rebounds per outing. Roberts played in 14 games for the Lady Razorbacks as a freshman, averaging 0.6 points and 0.6 boards per game.

Roberts played her senior season of high school ball at Fort Smith Northside, averaging 12 points per game to help the Lady Bears advance to the 5A state championship game. She picked up her third 5A West all-conference nod, as well as second-team all-state recognition from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. As a junior at Fort Smith Southside, Roberts tallied 16 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two steals per contest. She led the Lady Rebels to consecutive state tournament appearances her sophomore and junior seasons.

"Kendra will bring a tremendous amount of leadership and toughness to our program," Missouri State head coach Nyla Milleson said. "I think the year of sitting out will benefit both her and our team in terms of learning and knowing our system. She’ll be ready to make an immediate impact when she finally puts on the uniform."

The Lady Bears will return two starters and seven letterwinners in 2008-09 after finishing 11-19 in 2007-08, Milleson’s first season as head coach.