Fresno State honors Yvette Roberts in retiring her No. 24 jersey

Yvette Roberts is recognized by the Red Wave at her jersey retirement on Feb. 11, at the Save Mart Center.

By Alexis Bruno, Reporter
Feb 14, 2023

It was an emotional night for Yvette Roberts as she saw her No. 24 jersey roll down from the rafters on Feb. 11 at the Save Mart Center.

Roberts is the fourth Bulldog and second female basketball player to have her jersey retired, alongside former teammate Wendy Martell. Martell had her jersey retired back in 2020.

Yvette Roberts playing for Fresno State. (Courtesy of Fresno State Athletics)

“Standing aside of her is just as good because I got to play three years with her, so it’s just a benefit for me being able to say, ‘Hey, that’s my name up there,’ ” Roberts said.

Roberts is a homegrown Fresno star who began her career at Washington Union High School. She excelled there in track and field and basketball.

In 1984, Roberts signed an early letter of intent to play basketball at Fresno State, where her accomplishments as a Bulldog would soon begin.

During her four seasons, Roberts accumulated a 77-41 overall record and set many school records, including points (1,778), rebounds (981) and made free throws (486). She averaged 15.7 points and 8.7 rebounds a game, shooting 49% from the field.

Roberts soon became a three-time All-American and was named the Fresno State female athlete of the year in 1989.

Roberts coaching at Edison High School. (Courtesy of Marty Solis/Fresno Unified Photographer)

After college, Roberts went on to play professionally in the Netherlands, where she won three straight national championships from 1993-95. She also played in Sweden, Germany and Belgium during her pro career where she gained several MVP awards.

Although Roberts was far overseas, it never kept her from returning back to her hometown.

She is now head coach at Edison High School for the girl’s basketball team. Her team accompanied her on her special day at the Save Mart Center.

“Hard to grasp. It’s very hard. You think about it. Every time I walk in the Save Mart Center to watch a game, watch a concert, whatever, my name is going to be up there. How many people get to say that? It’s a lovely journey. I can’t complain about none of it. I loved it,” Roberts said.

Roberts’ passion for the game has left a forever mark at Fresno State, honoring her legacy with the retirement of her jersey.