Sidney Stewart transferring from La. Tech to UCA

Former Conway and Greenbrier High star Sidney Stewart will join the women's basketball program at the University of Central Arkansas after spending the previous two years at Louisiana Tech.

Stewart, who started 28 games for the Lady Techsters last season, averaged 5.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game and was second on the team with 33 3-pointers made. She was also named to the Western Athletic Conference All-Academic team for the second year in a row.

"I am certainly glad that she decided to come home," said UCA coach Matt Daniel. "She's about as fierce a competitor as you'll find. She'll be one of toughest kids in our league, without a doubt. Aside from getting her education, her sole purpose is to compete and win, and she's committed to doing whatever it takes to come in and accomplish that goal."

Because of NCAA transfer rules, Stewart will be required to sit out the 2009-10 season, but will have two years' eligibility remaining beginning with the 2010-11 season - UCA's first season to be eligible for Division I postseason play.

"Although it's going to be hard, I think it'll be good for her to sit out a year," Daniel said. "That'll give her time to come in, really learn the system and adjust to her new teammates as she prepares to help us try to get to the postseason the following year."

Though the three-time Faulkner County Player of the Year won't play in a game next season, Daniel is confident Stewart will still have a positive impact on the team with her presence at practice and in the locker room

"She adds instant leadership," he said. "And she brings with her two years of college basketball experience and knowledge to this very young team. She's an in-your-face leader and I look forward to working with her because I know how badly she wants to win and have success at Central Arkansas."

She led Conway High to the 7A state championship game in 2007 as a senior. At Greenbrier, she averaged 22.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists during her junior season. As a sophomore she averaged 21.3 points and was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Sophomore team.

The UCA signing class now stands at eight members.