Connecticut�s Taj McWilliams-Franklin Wins 2005 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award Presented By Secret
McWilliams-Franklin has been active in her community including her involvement with the WNBA�s Read to Achieve program. During this past season, she participated in the dedication of the Sun Reading and Learning Center and was involved in the Basketball and Books Summer Reading program at her local library in Connecticut. In 2004, McWilliams-Franklin was the celebrity reader at the Children�s Museum of South Eastern Connecticut Nutmeg State Games, along with participating in the annual WNBA Finals Read to Achieve event.
�Taj cares about the progress of the WNBA and being an ambassador for the game,� said Coach Mike Thibault. �She�s always played with great intensity, but she�s always played the right way. Taj has earned the respect of everyone that she�s ever played against.�
The award is named in honor of 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. It is designed to honor a player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court -- ethical behavior, fair play and integrity.
McWilliams-Franklin will receive a Tiffany-designed trophy and $5,000. In addition, she has designated an additional $5,000 to go to the Mary Elizabeth House in Richmond, Va.
Following are the all-time winners of this award:
All-Time Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award Winners
2004 | Teresa Edwards | Minnesota Lynx |
2003 | Edna Campbell | Sacramento Monarchs |
2002 | Jennifer Gillom | Phoenix Mercury |
2001 | Sue Wicks | New York Liberty |
2000 | Suzie McConnell Serio | Cleveland Rockers |
1999 | Dawn Staley | Charlotte Sting |
1998 | Suzie McConnell Serio | Cleveland Rockers |
1997 | Haixia Zheng | Los Angeles Sparks |
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Four networks will carry 2005 WNBA Playoffs action. ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and NBA TV will provide coverage through the conference finals. The 2005 WNBA Finals will be televised on ABC and ESPN2.