ANDERSON, S.C. – Former Anderson University basketball player Alexis Dillard has signed a contract with Luxol, a professional basketball team in Malta.

"I want to thank my family, former coaches, teammates and the entire Anderson University community for their relentless support", said Dillard. "The time that you all invested in me, whether it be through prayer, in the classroom, on the court and in the training room, I am forever grateful."

Dillard will eagerly join the team for practice on September 16 to begin preparing for their pre-season tournament that begins Sept. 21 – Sept. 30.

"Having an opportunity like this means everything to me", noted Dillard. "I have dreamed of playing basketball beyond college since a young age.  To see the fruit of hard work and setting goals is an amazing feeling."

Just three games into Dillard's senior season, this dream was almost shattered. In the midst of a career night against nonconference rival Erskine, the native of Taylors, S.C., landed awkwardly after securing a rebound ultimately blowing out her ACL.

"That moment and season was a tough period for me", explains Dillard. "I relied on my faith, family and teammates for support. Having God as my backbone and embracing the power of prayer not only got me through, but I came back ten times stronger."

Dillard was able to return for a final season as a graduate student capping off an amazing career. Dillard earned South Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, All-SAC First Team and was named the SAC Scholar Athlete of the Year and the Anderson University Female Scholar Athlete of the Year in her final year donning the Black and Gold.

Dillard graduated in May of 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree.