HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University head coach Lori Davis Jones announced the signing of former Loranger High standout Kayla Ard to a National Letter of Intent for the 2004-05 season.

Ard, a 5-11 player who can play guard or forward, is the second commitment during the early signing period for the Lady Lions. She joins Brooke Necaise of Hancock High School in Kiln, Miss.

"Kayla is a very athletic player, whose size at the three position will give us an added dimension that we haven't had recently," Jones said. "Kayla's skills, combined with her determination and love of the game, will make her a valuable asset to our team.

"It's also great to be able to sign another local player," Jones added. "Having a strong core of area athletes on the squad is a plus for our program, as well as the community."

Ard will join Southeastern after her stint at Chipola Community College in Marianna, Fla. At Chipola, Ard was an All-Panhandle Conference selection in her first season, averaging 14 points and seven rebounds per game.

At Loranger High, Ard was a member of the Lady Wolves' Class 3A State Championship team in 2000. As a senior, she was Loranger's leading scorer, netting 22 points a game and participated in the LHSAA All-Star Game.

2004-05 Southeastern Women's Basketball Signing Class
Name Height Position Previous School/High School Hometown
Kayla Ard 5-11 G/F Chipola CC/Loranger HS Husser, La.
Brooke Necaise 5-8 G Hancock HS Kiln, Miss.