NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2008 – San Antonio Silver Stars guard Vickie Johnson was named the recipient of the 2008 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, the WNBA announced today.  Johnson wins her first Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award after collecting 14 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.  Johnson edged out Detroit Shock center Taj McWilliams-Franklin, who received six tallies, and Connecticut Sun forward Tamika Raymond, who earned three votes.

Designed to honor a player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court -- ethical behavior, fair play and integrity -- the award is named for the late Kim Perrot, who helped guide the Houston Comets to their first two WNBA championships before passing away in August, 1999, after a seven-month battle with cancer.

"Vickie is the consummate professional," said WNBA President Donna Orender.  "Her passion, love of the game and dedication to her teammates is the same today as it was 12 years ago when she helped launch the WNBA, and that's evident in the way she plays the game night in and night out."

Johnson receives the honor in her 12th season in the WNBA. She stands as one of just six “original” players – those who were on a WNBA roster in the league’s inaugural season – remaining in the league. She is the all-time league leader in minutes (11,698), games (378) and playoff games (42).  Her unsurpassed dedication to the game is reflected in her longevity and high level of play and by the fact that she is the only player in league history to have recorded 4,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists, a milestone she reached in San Antonio’s 76-64 win at Detroit on July 27.  

“We are so thrilled to see Vickie recognized for her great work on and off the court,” said Silver Stars Head Coach Dan Hughes.  “She has been an inspiration in her professionalism.

A two-time All-Star (1999, 2001), Johnson set a career high this season in rebounds per game (5.3 rpg) while tying her career bests in assists per game (3.6, 2004, 2006) and steals per game (1.1, 2001).  Over her career she has started all but two of the games in which she has played.

In honor of being named the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award winner, Johnson will receive $5,000 and a specially-designed trophy from Tiffany & Co.  An additional $5,000 will be designated to the charity of her choice, the American Diabetes Association.

Below are the results of the 2008 WNBA Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award voting: