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April 14, 2003
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. – Virginia honored its players at the 20th Annual Women’s Basketball Awards Banquet on Monday evening at the Omni Hotel.
Earning the team’s coveted Cavalier of the Year was sophomore LaTonya Blue (Baltimore, Md.). The 5-11 All-ACC guard was also honored as the Best Defensive Player and was recognized for leading the team in assists.
Best Offensive Player was awarded to sophomore Cherrise Graham (Conshohocken, Pa). The 5-7 All-ACC and All-State guard was also recognized for leading the team in free throw shooting.
Senior guard Liz Sahin (Hatay, Turkey) captured the Bob Williams Award for her athletic and academic performances. She shared the Preseason Conditioning Award with sophomore Jocelyn Logan-Friend (Cheverly, Md.).
Junior captain Anna Crosswhite (Castlecrag, Australia) was named the squad’s Unsung Hero. The 6-1 forward also received the Thomas J. Ryan Scholarship, presented to a hard-working player committed to success.
Most Improved Player accolades went to junior guard Safiya Grant-Fairley (Bronx, N.Y.) She was also awarded the Alumni Scholarship for next season as the Cavalier who best exemplifies the spirit and dedication that make Virginia women’s basketball successful.
Sophomore Brandi Teamer (Joliet, Ill.), an All-ACC and All-State honoree, earned the Rebounding Award.
Receiving the Coach’s Award for outstanding contributions to the team were Howard Goodman, Kristy Drobney, Dr. Frank McCue and Phyllis Bowman.
Virginia finished the 2002-03 campaign at 17-14 overall and third in the ACC standings. The Cavaliers made their 20th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, advancing to the second round.
2003 Virginia Women’s Basketball Awards
Unsung Hero: Anna Crosswhite
Preseason Conditioning Award: Liz Sahin, Jocelyn Logan-Friend
Cavalier of the Year: LaTonya Blue
Best Offensive Player: Cherrise Graham
Best Defensive Player: LaTonya Blue
Most Improved Player: Safiya Grant-Fairley
Rebounding Award: Brandi Teamer
Most Assists: LaTonya Blue
Highest Free Throw Pct.: Cherrise Graham
Bob Williams Award: Liz Sahin
Thomas J. Ryan Scholarship: Anna Crosswhite
Alumni Scholarship: Safiya Grant-Fairley
Coach’s Award: Howard Goodman, Kristy Drobney, Dr. Frank McCue, Phyllis Bowman