July 11, 2008

ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis head women's basketball coach Shimmy Gray-Miller has announced that Kathryn Hester (Conover, N.C./Newton-Conover), a 6-foot-2 center who played two years at the University of Miami, has transferred to SLU and will play for the Billikens. Hester will sit out the 2008-09 campaign due to NCAA transfer rules and will have two years of eligibility beginning with the 2009-10 season.

"To bring someone of Kat's caliber to our team is a major gift for us," Gray-Miller said. "She brings obvious size and talent, but more importantly she provides leadership, passion for the game, a selfless attitude and the experience that comes with having played in one of the nation's top women's basketball conferences (Atlantic Coast Conference) the past two years. Kat has gone head-to-head with some of the country's best players, and for her to bring that level of competitiveness to our program is immeasurable.

"I am thrilled that Kat has decided to jumpstart her career at Saint Louis University," Gray-Miller added. "She will make us better this season without playing a single game. I'm 100 percent confident of that."

"Having a chance to be a part of something special at SLU has my motivation on a whole different level, and I can't wait to get on the court," Hester said. "This opportunity will allow me to represent a team of change, and I am looking forward to being a part of that. I'm so fired up."

Hester played in 36 games with one start during her Miami career. She averaged 1.5 points and 1.7 rebounds and posted career highs of eight points and eight boards. Hester was a four-time All-Conference selection at Newton-Conover High School.

The Billikens will play in the University's new on-campus facility, the 10,600-seat Chaifetz Arena, in the 2008-09 season. Hester will join seven returning players and five freshmen on the Saint Louis roster.