Taurasi Named as the 2004 Nancy Lieberman Award Winner

DETROIT, MI, April 2, 2004 -- The Rotary Club of Detroit announced today that University of Connecticut senior All-American Diana Taurasi, for the second straight year, has been selected as the 2004 Nancy Lieberman Award winner. The award recognizes the nation's top collegiate point guard in women's Division I basketball. The criterion for the award is the floor leadership, play-making and ball-handling skills that personified Hall of Famer, Nancy Lieberman during her career. Sportswriters from across the country determined the award winner and finalists.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that a UConn player has been the recipient of the honor as former Connecticut standout Sue Bird won the award in 2001 and 2002. The three other finalists (in alphabetical order) were: Jamie Carey (Texas), Temeka Johnson (LSU) and Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota).

Taurasi, the 6-0 guard, has helped UConn win two NCAA titles and make four Final Four appearances. Her overall career record at Connecticut is 137-8 entering Sunday's national semifinal game against Minnesota. She has also achieved the following this year: 2004 Naismith National Player of the Year, (second straight year), 2004 Associated Press All-American First Team (second straight year), Big East Player of the Year (second straight year), UConn's career leader in assists (643) and 3-point field goals (313) and finalist is a for the Sullivan Award, The State Farm Wade Trophy, Wooden Award, Bayer Advantage Senior CLASS Award and Kodak All-America.

The senior guard will lead the Huskies in their national semifinal clash with Minnesota on Sunday, April 4 at approximately 9:30 p.m. (ET) at the New Orleans Arena.