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 Net Season-High 91 Points in Win over Bradley

The Lady Bears duplicated their 91-point score from last game, beating Bradley 91-86 at JQH Arena. Five players scored in double-digits, bringing MSU to second in scoring in the MVC.

I have been getting really bored with shooting basketball so I try as much as I can to mix things up. I spent a majority of the first half using my 16-35mm and most of the second-half shooting from the catwalk with a 70-200mm. This game, I tried to find photos that were unique to this game and not something I usually get every game–like a typical layup photo shooting directly up the players’ armpits. I feel like I am getting a little better at challenging myself.

Steph Anderson | The Standard

Officials Laura Morris, Missy Brooks and Randy Robertson stretch before the game between Missouri State and Bradley on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter walks through the tunnel arm-in-arm with teammates Whitney Edie and Kenzie Williams before the game between Missouri State and Bradley on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter beats Bradley’s Katie Yohn to the tipoff on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

The official makes a call against Bradley’s Fantasia Vine after she and Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter battled for a loose ball on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Fans wave to the Missouri State cheerleaders in hopes of receiving a free t-shirt during a timeout on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow passes around Bradley’s Brooke Bisping on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter drives the ball past Bradley’s Katie Yohn (10) and Jenny Smith (32) on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Bradley’s Shelby Mustain (40) and other players on the bench cheer for Katie Yohn (10) after she gained possession of the ball after Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams lost control of the ball on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Bradley head coach Michael Brooks signals a play to his team on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter spins around Bradley’s Alyson Spinas-Valainis after Shorter gained possession of a rebound on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Members of Missouri State’s color guard team perform during halftime on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Bradley’s Katie Yohn tries to keep the ball in bounds as Missouri State’s Whitney Edie catches it on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter lays up a shot past Bradley’s Katie Yohn on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Missouri State’s Whitney Edie collects a rebound under the hoop on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Missouri State’s Karly Buer lays up a shot past Bradley’s Shronda Butts on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Missouri State’s Whitney Edie, right, and NiJay Gaines, top, watch a ball go into the hoop on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

A Missouri State fan voices his frustration to the referees on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at JQH Arena. MSU beat Bradley 91-86.

Missouri Overcomes Lady Bears, 91-77

By Steph Anderson | The Standard

Despite a two-point deficit going into halftime, the Missouri State Lady Bears couldn’t keep up with the hot-shooting Missouri Tigers losing 91-77 on Thursday, Dec. 6 at Mizzou Arena in front of 1,304 fans.

Although Missouri State took a promising 10-3 lead in the first two minutes, Missouri came out of the gates shooting 66.7 percent from the three-point line during the first half. In the second half, Missouri State missed its first 10 attempts and was forced to play catch-up. Missouri took the lead and never looked back, ahead by double-digits for the rest of the game.

“77 points should be enough to be in a ball game and we are going to put all the blame on the defensive end tonight,” Missouri State head coach Nyla Milleson said. “And it starts with communication and doing your job individually to make this team better, and we just didn’t do it.”

Morgan Eye scored a game-high of 21 points, who was one of five Missouri players to net 14 or more points. Christiana Shorter led Missouri State with 12 points.

“We just need to play the defense we know how to play,” Missouri State guard Hannah Wilkerson said.

The Lady Bears renewed their in-state rivalry with Missouri for the first time since 2004. The Lady Bears and Tigers have played just four times since 1990, meeting each year from 2001-04.

“We would love to continue the series, but this game is no more important than any other game on our schedule,” Milleson said. “We have great fans, we have great following and we are disappointed we didn’t play better.”

Missouri State gathers for a cheer in the locker room on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri State’s Whitney Edie prepares to high-five coach Trish Marsh as hard as she can before the game on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri State celebrates a hot start on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri’s Morgan Eye, right, and Darian Saunders, center, help up their teammate Bri Kulas after a call went their way on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

A fan dances during a timeout on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri State’s Hannah Wilkerson runs upcourt after she stole the ball from Missouri’s Morgan Eye, right, on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri State’s Bry Snow’s shot is blocked, but a foul was called on the play on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter fends off Missouri’s Lianna Doty as she and others dive for the ball on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri’s head coach Robin Pingeton signals a play to her players on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri State’s Hannah Wilkerson shakes off the Missouri defense on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri’s Lianna Doty reacts with Morgan Eye after a foul was called on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri’s Liz Smith reacts after scoring two points on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri State’s Whitney Edie reacts after making a bucket while fouled on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri fans dance to a song during a timeout on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri State’s NiJay Gaines gathers a loose ball on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Missouri State’s Mikala McGhee embraces Tyonna Snow after their loss on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. MSU lost 91-77.

Edie’s Career-High 22 points Propels Lady Bears Past NKU

Missouri State topped Northern Kentucky 70-67 yesterday with the help of senior Whitney Edie’s 22 points, 16 rebounds and five steals and the team’s new MVC record of 68 rebounds.

Steph Anderson | The Standard

Fans enter the front entrance to find their seats for the game between Missouri State and Northern Kentucky on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State head coach Nyla Milleson embraces Northern Kentucky head coach Dawn Plitzuweit on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Members of the Missouri State cheerleading squad prepare to take the court before the game between Missouri State and Northern Kentucky on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams, left, and Tori Henderson are framed by Northern Kentucky players during the national anthem on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Northern Kentucky’s Christine Roush is announced prior to the game on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State huddles after a pregame cheer on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State wins the tipoff against Northern Kentucky on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Bry Snow collects a rebound against Northern Kentucky on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter fights for a rebound against Northern Kentucky’s Christine Roush on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams pressures Northern Kentucky’s Kayla Thacker as she mishandles the ball on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Northern Kentucky head coach Dawn Plitzuweit signals a play to her team on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

A member of the cheerleading squad prepares his flag before taking the court during halftime on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State head coach Nyla Milleson gathers her team together during a timeout on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Lucas Kil cheers for Missouri State with the cheerleaders on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Missouri State’s Aly Stock and NiJay Gaines high-five after Kenzie Williams’ three-pointer against Northern Kentucky on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at JQH Arena.

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.

Lady Bears Top SBU in Last Exhibition

I am trying to shake off some rust before the basketball regular season begins. I was hoping for more of a blow out tonight, but there was still plenty of action to shoot. There were several loose ball moments.

Steph Anderson | MSU Photographic Services

Missouri State hosted SBU on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter is announced prior to the game against SBU on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

A Missouri State cheerleader focuses on his hold during the women’s basketball game against SBU on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

SBU’s Jacqui Zelenka holds off Missouri State’s Kenzie Williams during a free throw on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

Missouri State’s Desiree Phillips snags a loose ball against two SBU players on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

Missouri State’s Tyonna Snow battles for a loose ball against SBU on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

Missouri State’s Hannah Wilkerson distracts SBU’s Leann Lansdown on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

Missouri State’s Hannah Wilkerson waits for two SBU defenders to clear before shooting a two-pointer on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

The Missouri State Sugar Bears dance team perform a routine on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won against SBU 68-57.

Missouri State head coach talks to her players about layups during a timeout on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won against SBU 68-57.

Missouri State’s Hannah Wilkerson gains possession of a loose ball on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

SBU’s Leann Lansdown snags a loose ball before MSU’s Kenzie Williams, left, and Hannah Wilkerson could get it on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

SBU players pray for their teammate Brittney Dukes as she is positioned onto a gurney on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

SBU’s Brittney Dukes is positioned onto a gurney on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

Missouri State’s Karly Buer brings the team together after the game for a final word on their performance against SBU on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at JQH Arena. MSU won 68-57.

Lady Bears Stay Alive with Win Over UMKC

The Missouri State Lady Bears bounced back to win 81-79 over the University of Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos to advance in the WNIT tonight at JQH Arena.

With four Lady Bears scoring in double-digits, playing without senior Casey Garrison, who sat out due to illness, was a non factor. Garrison held a streak of 128 consecutive starts, the third-longest nationally.

Karly Buer led with 22 points while Whitney Edie accumulated 18. Senior Lacey Boshe played in her 129th career game, tying Jackie Stiles for the MSU record.

MSU will advance to the second round of the tournament Saturday against Memphis at JQH Arena.

This marks the Lady Bears third consecutive appearance in the WNIT after being swept from the MVC Tournament.

The UMKC Kangaroos do a pregame cheer near the tunnel on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Junior Christiana Shorter is introduced prior to the game on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

MSU senior Jasmine Malone spins around two defenders to get a good look at the hoop on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

UMKC’s Kim Nezianya acknowledges her teammates after draining a three-pointer on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

MSU senior Jasmine Malone picks off a pass at half court on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

MSU senior Lacey Boshe kicks the ball out-of-bounds on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

UMKC’s Hailey Houser was elbowed to the nose on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

The Missouri State coaching staff looks at the referee with disgust after a technical foul call on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

The Lady Bears wave to their fans after defeating UMKC in the first round of the WNIT 81-79 on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Lady Bears Sneak Past Bradley to Advance to MVC Semifinal

The top-seeded Lady Bears trailed most of their MVC Tournament quarterfinal game against Bradley, but sophomore guard Karly Buer converted four free throws in the last 61 seconds to steal a 58-54 victory today at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

Buer led MSU with 17 points and Garrison contributed 15.

Missouri State plays No. 4 Creighton in the semifinals at 1:35 p.m. tomorrow which will be televised on Fox Sports Midwest.

Missouri State Sugar Bears fix each other’s hair in the restroom prior to the game on Friday, March 9, 2012 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

The Bradley Braves take the floor prior to their warmup on Friday, March 9, 2012 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

Missouri State’s Karly Buer shakes the opponent’s hand before a pregame huddle on Friday, March 9, 2012 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

Missouri State’s Whitney Edie gathers a lose ball under the hoop on Friday, March 9, 2012 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

Missouri State’s Jasmine Malone goes up for a basket on Friday, March 9, 2012 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

Bradley’s Lauren Niemiera strips MSU’s Aly Stock of the ball on Friday, March 9, 2012 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

The Bradley bench celebrates one of their three-pointers on Friday, March 9, 2012 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

Fans try to pump up the team late in the second half on Friday, March 9, 2012 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephanderson/6822117536/in/photostream

Missouri State’s Aly Stock, center, cheers on her team late in the second half on Friday, March 9, 2012 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

Missouri State’s Jasmine Malone comes up with a rebound to give the Lady Bears possession for the final minute of play on Friday, March 9, 2012 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

Aly Stock, left, and Regan Soldner, center, celebrate their big victory over Bradley with Jasmine Malone, right, after the game in the locker room on Friday, March 9, 2012 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.

Lady Bears Turn Over Salukis in Annual Pink Game

The Missouri State Lady Bears forced a season-high of 16 steals and 31 turnovers to beat visiting Southern Illinois 81-61 at JQH Arena today during the Play4Kay game.

Play4Kay, named for former North Carolina State women’s coach Kay Yow, is a breast cancer awareness themed game. The Lady Bears wore pink jerseys, referees blew pink whistles, the visiting Salukis sported pink Nike shoes and the first 500 fans at JQH Arena received a free pink t-shirt. The event raises money for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.

Missouri State won its eighth consecutive game for the team’s longest streak since winning 18 straight in the 2003-04 season.

Student workers sell breast cancer merchandise in front of JQH Arena prior to the game on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012.

The visiting Salukis sport pink Nike basketball shoes while lined up for the national anthem on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at JQH Arena.

JQH Arena is peppered with pink shirts worn by Lady Bear fans on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at JQH Arena.

MSU’s Jaleshia Roberson hits a lay up in the first half on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at JQH Arena.

SIU head coach Missy Tiber yells in the official’s ear after her team was fouled during the first half on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at JQH Arena.

MSU’s Jaleshia Roberson grabs a loose ball as two SIU defenders run into each other on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at JQH Arena.

The officials were given pink whistles in honor of breast cancer survivors on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at JQH Arena.

MSU’s Christiana Shorter scores from under the basket on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at JQH Arena.

MSU players hug several breast cancer survivors after they won their game on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Garrison’s 29 Points Lifts Lady Bears Past North Texas

The Lady Bears dominated the majority of the game until a late North Texas rally cut the MSU lead to three on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at JQH Arena.

The heroic Casey Garrison was once again the Lady Bears biggest threat. With a pivotal block with 3:13 left in the game that allowed the Lady Bears to preserve the lead and a season-high 29 points, she broke 1,900 career points in the MSU record books.