NORFOLK, Virginia – The next step in Kayla Roberts' basketball career figures to be a long one. At the end of August, Roberts will take a nearly 5,000-mile journey to Sweden, where she will begin her professional career with Mark Basket Marbo.
Also known as BK Marbo, the club is located in Kinna, Sweden – a town of roughly 15,000 people located in the southwest part of the country. BK Marbo competes in the Damligan, Sweden's domestic women's basketball league.
"I have to take that leap of faith because I am nervous about it," Roberts said. "I think it will be a good experience for me."
Roberts' path to Sweden began in late March, when she participated in a scouting combine at the 2018 Women's Final Four in Columbus, Ohio. Once she signed with an agent, it took three weeks to receive an offer from BK Marbo.
"I wanted to get in to a good league and make an immediate impact," Roberts said. "I wanted to get my foot in the door and work my way up."
The Miami, Florida native looked to her family for guidance before signing. Cleandra Roberts, a cousin who played professionally in Turkey for two seasons, read the contract before giving her approval to Roberts.
The 6-1 guard/forward has spoken with her new head coach, Joey Cafferky Jr., by phone. Cafferky Jr. was hired by BK Marbo in early June. The 29-year-old has an American father but has lived in Sweden his entire life.
Cafferky Jr. plans to play Roberts at multiple positions to create mismatches on the floor. In her four years at Norfolk State, Roberts showcased her versatility and ranks eighth in career points (1,398), third in total rebounds (985) and first in blocked shots (152). The three-time All-MEAC honoree averaged 14.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists last season while chipping in 47 steals and 42 blocks.
BK Marbo struggled last season, posting a 6-16 record and finishing ninth out of 10 teams. Roberts is no stranger to program rebuilds and believes she can use her experience to instill a winning culture. The Spartans started the 2015-16 season on a 16-game losing streak, prompting Larry Vickers to assume head coaching responsibilities for the remaining 11 games. In Roberts' final two seasons, NSU went a combined 33-26.
Roberts realizes the difficulties of playing professional basketball while relocating to another country but vows to persevere. She sees herself playing for at least five more years.
"I really don't want a regular job," Roberts said. "I want to play as long as my body will let me."
Roberts joins Siobhan Beslow as the only other Spartan currently playing professional basketball. Beslow completed last season with APOEL B.C. in Nicosia, Cyprus.
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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