Oct. 15, 2002

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Hardin-Simmons' senior forward Kendra Anderson has been named the preseason player of the year by Women's DIII News, it was announced today in the preseason issue of the publication.

Anderson, a forward for the Cowgirls averaged 16.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game last season, while leading the Cowgirls to a 27-2 record and to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

In 2002, she was named American Southwest Conference Player of the Year for the second straight season and was named a first-team All-American.

"There were many strong candidates for this award, but we felt Kendra was the most deserving," said editor Gary Rubin. "She had a tremendous season last year and is expected to have another great campaign."

Hardin-Simmons is ranked No. 2 in the Women's DIII News Preseason Top 25. First-year head coach Shanna Briggs returns four seniors. The Cowgirls go through their first workouts of the year on Tuesday at 6 p.m.