NEW YORK, August 1, 2005 - The WNBA announced today that Detroit Shock Guard and 2005 WNBA All-Star, Deanna Nolan, was named the recipient of the WNBA Community Assist Award for the month of June. During June, Nolan participated in the Shock's Read to Achieve events in Flint and Lewisville, Mich., and played a key role in the Shock's My Personal Hero Award program, a season-long initiative that encourages fans to nominate a person or group from their local community who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, making an award presentation prior to the Shock game against Seattle on June 8. She also hosted a "Fun and Fundamentals" clinic for 300 young people from the Flint YMCA Day Camps and Crossroads for Youth, as part of the WNBA Be Smart, Be Fit, Be Yourself Program.

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"I had so much fun getting out in the community and connecting with fans," said Nolan. "Basketball is obviously my passion, and it's fun to share that with kids by teaching them the fundamentals of the game, but it's also important for them to learn the life lessons that being part of a team can teach. People of all ages can stay active and stay healthy through basketball, but the key is finding something you enjoy and sticking with it, and making smart decisions in all aspects of your life."

The WNBA Community Assist Award is given out monthly by the league to recognize players for their charitable efforts. Each month WNBA teams can nominate a player for the award, which honors the player who best reflects the league's passion for making a difference in their communities. As a result of her efforts, the WNBA will donate $5,000 in her name to the American Diabetes Association.

Other nominees include Nicole Powell (Sacramento), Betty Lennox (Seattle), Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles), and Tamika Catchings (Indiana).

Through programs such as WNBA Breast Health Awareness, WNBA Be Fit, Be Smart, Be Yourself, and WNBA Read to Achieve, the WNBA has helped to generate more awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, the benefits of regular exercise, good nutrition and a positive self-image, and has worked to bring the joy of reading to millions of children across the country.