Lady Bear Meet and Greet

Steph Anderson | The Standard

Missouri State women’s basketball head coach Kellie Harper talks with Walter Holt at the meet and greet for the new coaching staff on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Fans listen to the new women’s basketball coach at the meet and greet on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Missouri State women’s basketball assistant coach Jennifer Sullivan laughs at the meet and greet for the new coaching staff on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Fans listen to the new women’s basketball coach at the meet and greet on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Missouri State women’s basketball assistant coach Jon Harper walks up to the podium as fellow assistant coaches Jackie Stiles (center) and Jennifer Sullivan laugh at the meet and greet for the new coaching staff on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Missouri State women’s basketball assistant coach Jackie Stiles talks with fans at the meet and greet for the new coaching staff on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

MSU Welcomes New Lady Bears Head Coach

With her mild but forceful Tennessean accent, Kellie Harper said she wants to win a championship next season at today’s press conference which welcomed her as the new Missouri State women’s basketball coach.

Steph Anderson | The Standard

Missouri State athletic director Kyle Moats announced Kellie Harper as new women’s basketball head coach on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Desiree Phillips claps with her teammates as Kellie Harper is announced their new women’s basketball coach on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Kellie Harper laughs as the marching band plays the fight song after she was announced the new women’s basketball coach on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Kellie Harper, Missouri State’s new women’s basketball coach, speaks to the players on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Kellie Harper, Missouri State’s new women’s basketball coach, speaks during a press conference on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

NiJay Gaines and Bry Snow smile as Kellie Harper, Missouri State’s new women’s basketball coach, speaks during a press conference on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Kellie Harper, Missouri State’s new women’s basketball coach, speaks during a press conference on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Members of the Missouri State women’s basketball team smile as Kellie Harper, their new coach, speaks during a press conference on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Kellie Harper laughs with fans after she was announced Missouri State’s new women’s basketball coach on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Faces of Nyla

Shocking news broke Monday afternoon.

Nyla Milleson and the Lady Bears assistant coaches were fired after a season in which they finished 14-17 and were bumped from the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in the play-in round against Drake on Thursday.

Director of Athletics Kyle Moats made the announcement alongside university President Clif Smart at a press conference at JQH Arena.

“Our fans expect the Lady Bears to compete for conference championships every year, play and win postseason games, and play harder and smarter than their opponents. So do I,” Smart said. “It is part of thinking bigger and bolder and never settling for mediocrity. To achieve that standard in women’s basketball, changes are necessary. Sometimes that means making hard decisions.”

Missouri State will pay Milleson $140,000 for the remaining two years of her contract.
Milleson coached the Lady Bears for six seasons, compiling a 105-87 record, three 20-win seasons, and the 2012 Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship.

“I’m grateful to have had this opportunity, and I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes and staff through the years,” Milleson said in a written statement in a press release. “I wish the program and those associated with it continued success in the future.”

Junior guard Karly Buer, right, and junior forward Bry Snow address the media about the firing of women’s basketball coaching staff on Monday, March 18, 2013, in the Prime Overtime Club at JQH Arena.

Missouri State president Clif Smart listens to athletic director Kyle Moats address the media about the firing of women’s basketball coaching staff on Monday, March 18, 2013, in the Prime Overtime Club at JQH Arena.

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Monday’s press conference was one of the toughest assignments I have had in a long time. The Lady Bears were a huge part of my college experience and growth as a photographer. But the worst part was having to photograph my best friend hold back tears during a reaction statement while the media pointed a dozen microphones around her neck.

Although there is no concrete telling of where the program will land its feet and whose shoulders it will be on, I do know that with the Lady Bears’ fan following, tradition and talent there is promising future in the making.

Here are my favorite Nyla Milleson photos over the past four years.

Lady Bears Top Evansville, 66-63

The Lady Bears came out strong on Saturday, but the game came down to the wire. Thankfully it ended as a win, furthering themselves in the conference standings and sealing my last home Lady Bear game of my college career. I think I have photographed more women’s basketball games during my four years at MSU than any other sport. Even though they are just 40 minute games every week during the winter months, it has really helped me develop my skills of shooting on a deadline, always keeping my camera up, looking for photos besides game action and capturing emotion.

Steph Anderson | The Standard

Evansville’s Laura Friday is announced prior to the game on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Karly Buer recovers a rebound against Evansville’s Laura Friday (13) and Mallory Ladd (54) on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Evansville head coach Oties Epps complains to the referee on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow strips Evansville’s Laura Friday of the ball on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State head coach Nyla Milleson reacts after a successful play on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Fans extend their arms to catch a free t-shirt on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Evansville celebrates a comeback as the buzzer sounds to end the first half on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State gathers together after a timeout on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams puts up a shot on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Evansville’s Kat Taylor reacts after draining a three-pointer on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Karly Buer, center, gathers the Lady Bears together at half court to celebrate their win over Evansville on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Snow’s 29 Points Propel Lady Bears to Victory

It was a little awkward at JQH Arena tonight with only 800 fans since the icy roads forced people to stay at home. Luckily, the Lady Bears secured a much-needed conference win despite the lack of applause.

Steph Anderson | The Standard

Icicles dangle from a bear sculpture outside of JQH Arena on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013.

Two student workers mop the main entrance on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter runs into the press row as SIU’s Ariel Haynes tried to regain possession of the ball on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter rebounds the ball against SIU’s Jordyn Courier on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s NiJay Gaines watches SIU’s Sidney Goins loose control of the ball on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow reacts after stealing and converting the ball twice in a row on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Desiree Phillips is run out of bounds by SIU’s Cartaesha Macklin on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

SIU’s Azia Washington smacks Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow in the face as she tries to put up a shot on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Pride Band performs at halftime on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Anthony Downing dances with members of the football team and the Sugar Bears at halftime on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

SIU’s Ariel Haynes pulls in a rebound on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow runs into her sister and teammate Bry Snow on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

The SIU bench reacts after their teammate drained a 3-pointer on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams watches the ball go out of bounds while fending off SIU’s Ariel Haynes on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow can’t pull in a long pass as SIU’s Cartaesha Macklin attempts to swat it away on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

SIU’s Azia Washington holds an injured shoulder after a play on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

SIU’s Cartaesha Macklin reacts after throwing a pass out of bounds on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Whitney Edie reacts after making a basket while fouled on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Lady Bears Suffer Tough Loss Against Indiana State

The Lady Bears have been hot and cold this season, dropping tonight’s game to Indiana State 71-67.

During the first media timeout at 16 minutes, I was honored at center-court for the Academic Spotlight with Earle Doman, Vice President of Student Affairs, for my ACP 3rd place national photojournalism award from last November. It is slightly awkward to have 3,000 people stare at you for a minute as you blankly gaze into a video camera lens and wave. But it made me smile more naturally when my three photo friends (Bruce, Kevin and Jesse) came running over to snap my photo. They are the best and made me feel famous!

Earle Doman and me during the Academic Spotlight.
Photo by Jesse Scheve | MSU Photographic Services

I am still shooting RAW and haven’t looked back since I converted last week; it gives me better white balance and detail. Since I have shot roughly 20+ games thus far into both men’s and women’s basketball seasons, my 70-200mm is beginning to feel stale. Luckily Kevin White brought along the 400mm so I had fun shooting with it from the upper bowl for the last five minutes.

Steph Anderson | The Standard

Missouri State’s NiJay Gaines leaves the locker room before to take the court against Indiana State on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Karly Buer looses control of the ball against Indiana State’s Natasha Zurek on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow beats Indiana State’s Taylor Whitley to a loose ball on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Indiana State head coach Teri Moren yells to her team during the game against Missouri State on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Indiana State head coach Teri Moren complains about a call with her assistant coaches during the game against Missouri State on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams jumps for the ball and collides with Indiana State’s Travecia Franklin on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Dr. Mary Jo Wynn laughs with President Clif Smart at halftime during the game between Missouri State and Indiana State on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Sugar Bears perform at halftime during the game between Missouri State and Indiana State on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Whitney Edie puts up a shot past Indiana State on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Indiana State’s Marina Laramie watches a Missouri State free throw on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State fans yell at the referees during the game against Indiana State on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

A Missouri State fan waves her pom-poms during the game against Indiana State on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Karly Buer (center) hands a loose ball to Whitney Edie (top) against Indiana State on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter puts up a shot past Indiana State’s Natasha Zurek on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Indiana State’s Travecia Franklin fouls Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Indiana State’s Taylor Whitley high-fives Natasha Zurek after their win against Missouri State on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Lady Bears Squashed by Creighton

Tonight’s game was extremely hard to watch, but I have faith the Lady Bears will bounce back. Despite the sloppy play, halftime’s dog frisbee show stole the night in my opinion!

Steph Anderson | The Standard

Members of Missouri State’s ROTC look at the jumbotron before taking the court for the national anthem on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Nicole Smallwood and Tori Henderson pump up the team before the Creighton game on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 73-53.

Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams snags a loose ball against Creighton on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 73-53.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter muscles her way past Creighton’s Alyssa Kamphaus on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 73-53.

Creighton’s Sarah Nelson has her ankle taped after injuring it on a previous play on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 73-53.

Creighton head coach Jim Flanery complains to the referee on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 73-53.

Missouri State’s NiJay Gaines splits the Creighton defense under the hoop on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 73-53.

Creighton’s Marissa Janning celebrates after making a half-court shot as time expired after the first half on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 73-53.

Frisbee dogs and their handlers perform tricks during halftime during the Missouri State vs. Creighton women’s basketball game on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams gets run over by Creighton’s McKenzie Fujan on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 73-53.

Missouri State’s Mikala McGhee gathers a rebound against Creighton’s Sarah Nelson on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 73-53.

Creighton head coach Jim Flanery cheers with his team’s bench after their teammate scored a three-pointer on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 73-53.

First Half of Lady Bears vs. Drake

Yesterday was a little hectic with the women’s basketball game starting an hour before one of the only home swim meets of the year. I am kicking myself because the game came down to a nail-biting free throw shot in the last seconds, which I had to miss. The game gave the Lady Bears their first conference win of the season.

Here is what I got in the first half.

Steph Anderson | The Standard

Missouri State head coach Nyla Milleson greets Drake head coach Jennie Baranczyk before their game on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU won 80-77.

Missouri State’s Whitney Edie is introduced before their game against Drake on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU won 80-77.

Missouri State’s Mikala McGhee battles Drake’s Alyssa Marschner for a loose ball on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU won 80-77.

Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams puts up a shot against two Drake defenders on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU won 80-77.

Missouri State’s Karly Buer battles Drake’s Mary Pat Specht for a loose ball on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU won 80-77.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter puts up a shot against Drake’s Emma Donahue on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU won 80-77.

Drake’s Carly Grenfell reacts after she makes a basket on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU won 80-77.

Drake’s Liza Heap scoops up the ball before Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams and Bry Snow can on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU won 80-77.

Equipment manager Danny Weathermon washes the Missouri State women’s basketball team’s practice jerseys after their game against Drake on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU won 80-77.

Lady Bears Sneak Past ORU in OT, 73-72

Steph Anderson | MSU Photographic Services

Fans begin to trickle into JQH Arena an hour before the women’s basketball game between Missouri State and Oral Roberts on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012.

Missouri State and Oral Roberts line up for the national anthem on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won in overtime 73-72.

Missouri State’s Karly Buer passes the ball past an Oral Roberts defender on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won in overtime 73-72.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow shoots the ball over Oral Roberts’ Kevi Luper on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won in overtime 73-72.

Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams loses possession of the ball after she twists her knee on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won in overtime 73-72.

Oral Roberts head coach Misti Cussen reacts as the referee describes a charge call against her team on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won in overtime 73-72.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow dodges Oral Roberts’ Taylor Cooper as they race downcourt for a loose ball on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won in overtime 73-72.

Missouri State Nyla Milleson calms her team down in the locker room during halftime on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won in overtime 73-72.

Missouri State’s Hannah Wilkerson slides out of bounds on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won in overtime 73-72.

A Missouri State fan reacts to the final seconds of regulation after Kenzie Williams missed a vital free throw on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won in overtime 73-72.

Missouri State’s Hannah Wilkerson, right, and Mikala McGhee react after winning the game in overtime, 73-72, on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Hannah Wilkerson reacts as she runs past the Oral Roberts bench after winning the game in overtime, 73-72, on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Cowgirls Tie Down Lady Bears in Regular-Season Opener

An upset over No. 22 Oklahoma State was within reach for the Lady Bears tonight–the same team that ended their post-season play last March. Even though you can’t ever blame the refs, they had a major impact on the outcome of the game. If the Lady Bears can finish their very first game to a ranked opponent only down by three points, they could be a major threat when conference play begins in a few weeks.

Steph Anderson | The Standard

The Missouri State basketball band plays during warmups on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Karly Buer is announced prior to the game against Oklahoma State on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Oklahoma State’s Toni Young reaches for the tipoff over Missouri State’s Whitney Edie on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Oklahoma State’s first-year head coach Jim Littell talks to his players during a timeout on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow races for a loose ball against Oklahoma State’s Brittney Martin on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Oklahoma State’s Liz Donohoe blocks Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams’ reverse shot on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Missouri State’s Hannah Wilkerson glides past the Oklahoma State defense to put up a shot on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Oklahoma State’s Tiffany Bias signals a play to her team on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Missouri State watches replays on the jumbotron before entering the court for the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

A young Missouri State fan lounges on “the best seats in the house” during the game on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow puts up a shot on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Missouri State’s Whitney Edie completes a layup over Oklahoma State’s Toni Young on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Missouri State head coach Nyla Milleson yells at her team during a timeout on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephanderson/8184273361/in/photostream

Missouri State’s Nijay Gaines amps up the crowd on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Referees discuss a controversial play on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow reacts after making a clutch shot on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow puts up a shot over three Oklahoma State defenders on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Missouri State waves to the crowd after the game on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Missouri State’s Whitney Edie hangs her head during the press conference after the game on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU lost 74-71.

Steph Anderson | Photojournalist

Tag Archives: lady bears

Lady Bear Meet and Greet

MSU Welcomes New Lady Bears Head Coach

Faces of Nyla

Lady Bears Top Evansville, 66-63

Snow’s 29 Points Propel Lady Bears to Victory

Lady Bears Suffer Tough Loss Against Indiana State

Lady Bears Squashed by Creighton

First Half of Lady Bears vs. Drake

Lady Bears Sneak Past ORU in OT, 73-72

Cowgirls Tie Down Lady Bears in Regular-Season Opener