We begin our Alumni Spotlight series with one of the most decorated student-athletes in the history of Fresno State Women's Basketball, Yvette Roberts.
A local product, Roberts re-wrote the Bulldogs' record book during her four years as a Bulldog, putting up numbers that few have surpassed since her departure. For more than 20 years, Roberts' 1,778 points stood atop the program's scoring list. Her 646 made field goals, the same. It took nearly 30 years for her 38 career double-doubles to be passed. Two that remain are her 984 rebounds and 486 made free throws.
During her 113-game career, she averaged 15.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Roberts holds the distinction of being the only Bulldog to be recognized as a three-time All-American according to the American Women's Sports Federation.
On Feb. 11, 2023, she earned the distinction of being just the second Fresno State women's basketball player to have her number retired.
Q: What is your current profession, and where do you work?
Roberts: "I am currently a social work supervisor in the adoptions unit for Fresno County Department of Social Services."
Q: What do you enjoy most about your current profession?
Roberts: "The ability to find children someone that will provide for the developmental, educational, physical, mental, emotional and social needs. A forever home."
Q: How did your time at Fresno State prepare you for your career and life after college?
Roberts: "The hard nose coach. My father taught me failure is not an option. The coach pushed to see there is no limit to hard work if you want the goals you set for yourself. Including how difficult the coach was."
Q: What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
Roberts: "My freshman year, starting when I was told that I would not start at all my freshman year. The team was in the top 25."
Q: What do you miss most about your time at Fresno State and being a student-athlete?
Roberts: "People understanding that there are no short cuts to success. You are not entitled to anything."
Q: Looking back at your career, what is one word you'd use to describe it?
Roberts: "Amazing"
Q: What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to current student-athletes?
Roberts: "Failure is not an option. Dust yourself off and get back in the race."
Q: If you can give a message to the Fresno State family, what would it be?
Roberts: "Don't forget about the community. I was lucky to be able to play in front of my family and friends. It is an amazing feeling knowing the gym had my people in it and I was playing for a Division I university. My family brought other family members and they brought friends."