HOUSTON -- Former Comets guard Dawn Staley collected her share of awards during her dazzling WNBA career.

Now, her name is permanently on one.

The WNBA revealed Tuesday that the league has created the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award in honor of the former Comets point guard.

The award, which will be introducted in the 2007 season, will be given to a player who best exemplifies the characteristics of a leader in her community.

“Dawn Staley possesses an unbelievable passion for basketball and for giving back to the community in the hope of inspiring young lives,” WNBA president Donna Orender.  “As a player and coach she has continually looked to support and impact the dreams of young people.  Women’s basketball is certainly richer for her many contributions, but so are the lives of the many people Dawn has reached out to in her hometown of Philadelphia and in the cities where she has played, Charlotte and Houston.  It is only fitting that the WNBA create an award that celebrates her spirit of generosity and character.”

The Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award will be presented annually following each regular season to the one player who has demonstrated a continued dedication to charitable and community causes through significant contributions of time and effort.  Each WNBA team will nominate one player and a designated committee will select the winner. The WNBA will make a $10,000 donation to the winner’s charity of choice.

Staley retired following the 2006 season after eight seasons in the WNBA. She was a five-time All-Star and a two-time winner of the WNBA’s Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award. Staley is currently the head coach at Temple University and an assistant coach for the U.S. national team.  

The former Comets star created the Dawn Staley Foundation in 1996. The Philadelphia native felt compelled to give something back to the community that enabled her to achieve success both on the basketball court and in life.  

The Dawn Staley Foundation's mission is to create a future of hope for at-risk youth by providing opportunities that help them realize their dreams and become productive and responsible citizens. The creation and support of educational and sports programs which challenge minds, build character, and help youth to develop to their fullest potential academically, socially and physically are the essence of the foundation. To achieve its mission, the foundation supports a variety of programs including an after school program, summer basketball league and mentoring programs for girls, as well as "Day in the Park," an annual daylong community celebration in North Philadelphia.