The Sports Network
New York, NY (Sports Network) - Connecticut Sun guard Kara Lawson was selected
as the recipient of the WNBA's Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award on Thursday.
Lawson, who also took home the award in 2009 as a member of the Sacramento
Monarchs, garnered 18 of 40 votes from a panel of national and local
sportswriters and broadcasters. San Antonio Silver Stars guard Becky Hammon
finished second with five votes.
Named in honor of late Houston Comets guard Kim Perrot, who passed away in
1999 after a seven-month battle with cancer, the award is designed to honor a
player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship -- ethical behavior, fair
play and integrity.
In her 10th season in the league, Lawson is a presence in the Connecticut
community and has been actively involved in raising both funds and awareness
for Alzheimer's research since her collegiate coach Pat Summitt was diagnosed
with early-onset Alzheimer's last August.
"I followed the WNBA from the beginning," Lawson said. "I was in high school
when it started so I got a chance to watch Houston winning four in a row, and
the first couple of championships with Kim. Being a point guard like her, I
know the respect she had around the league, so to receive this award in her
name means a lot."
Lawson is averaging career-highs in points (15.1), assists (4.0) and rebounds
(3.9) for the Sun, who begin their quest for a WNBA title on Thursday against
the New York Liberty.
The Sports Network