2003 WNBA Award Winners
MVP presented by Chevy
Lauren Jacksn of the Seattle Storm was named the 2003 WNBA MVP presented by Chevy. Lauren Jackson had a break-out season with career highs in scoring, rebounding, assists and field goal percentage, leading her team to an 18-16 record and just missing the playoffs.
All-WNBA Team presented by Bud Light
Lisa Leslie of the Los Angeles Sparks makes her fifth appearance on the 2003 All-WNBA First Team presented by Bud Light. Joining Leslie are Seattle's Lauren Jackon and Sue Bird, Indiana's Tamika Catchings and Minnesota's Katie Smith.
Rookie of the Year
Cheryl Ford of the Detroit Shock was named the 2003 WNBA Rookie of the Year. Ford became only the sixth player, and first rookie, in WNBA history to average a double-double -- 10.8 points and 10.4 rebounds -- for a season.
Coach of the Year
Detroit Shock Head Coach Bill Laimbeer was named 2003 WNBA Coach of the Year. Laimbeer, who is in his first full season as head coach of the Shock, transformed the Shock from the worst team in the league a year ago (9-23), into the best team in the league in 2003 (25-9).
Defensive Player of the Year
Houston Comets forward Sheryl Swoopes was named the 2003 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year for the third time in her career. She was previously honored as the league's top defender in 2000 and 2002. Swoopes led the WNBA in steals this season with 2.48 per game.
Most Improved Player
Michelle Snow of the Houston Comets was named the 2003 WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year. On the season, she averaged 9.3 points and 7.7 rebounds while hitting 49.8 percent of her field goal attempts -- up from 3.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 46.9 percent shooting a year ago.
Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award presented by Secret
Edna Campbell of the Sacramento Monarchs was named the recipient of the 2003 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award presented by Secret. In February 2002, Campbell became the first active WNBA player to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Once she recovered, Campbell became a champion for breast health awareness in Sacramento and nationwide.
Cascade Dish & Assist Award
Ticha Penicheiro of the Sacramento Monarchs was named the 2003 Cascade Dish & Assist Award winner. Penicheiro has led the WNBA in assists in each of her six seasons and finished the 2003 season dishing out 6.7 assists per game.
Bud Light Peak Performers
Seattle's Lauren Jackson and Washington's Chamique Holdsclaw have been named the 2003 WNBA Bud Light Peak Performers. Jackson led the WNBA in scoring for the first time with 21.2 points a game. Holdsclaw led the WNBA in rebounding for the second straight season, finishing with 10.9 boards per game.