Villanova's Laura Kurz was named the 2008-09 Big 5 Women's Player of the Year.

April 28, 2009

Villanova senior Laura Kurz was named Big 5 Player of the Year for 2008-09, one of the many awards handed out at the Big 5's annual women's basketball banquet on April 23. Kurz was unanimously named to the All-Big East first team, in addition to earning the Big East Conference Co-Most Improved Player Award, and the honor of being named a finalist for the Naismith Award.

Kurz led Villanova in scoring (17.4), rebounding (7.2) and blocks (42), and she ranked among the best in steals (26) and assists (52). She finished fifth in the Big East in scoring and was 12th in rebounding. Kurz also finished fifth in free throw percentage and eighth in blocked shots. She led her team in scoring a remarkable 25 times and rebounding 22 different times throughout the season. Kurz tallied 68 points during Big 5 action, averaging 17 points and 9.5 rebounds in those contests.

Big 5 Award Winners

2009 First Team All-Big 5
Carrie Biemer, Penn
Laura Kurz, Villanova
Morgan Robertson, La Salle
Shenita Landry, Temple
LaKeisha Eaddy, Temple

2009 Second Team All-Big 5
Brittany Ford, Saint Joseph's
Margaret Elderton, La Salle
Mariame Djouara, Saint Joseph's
Maria Getty, Villanova
Siobhan O'Connor, Villanova

2009 Big 5 Player of the Year
Laura Kurz, Villanova

2009 Big 5 Rookie of the Year
Kristen McCarthy, Temple

2009 Big 5 Most Improved Player
Morgan Robertson, La Salle

2009 Big 5 Sportsmanship Award
Siobhan O'Connor, Villanova

2009 Big 5 Coach of the Year
Tonya Cardoza, Temple

2009 Big 5 All-Academic Team
Morgan Robertson, La Salle (Political Science and Psychology)
Maria Getty, Villanova (Finance)
Anca Popovici, Penn (Economics and German)
LaKeisha Eaddy, Temple (Sport and Recreation Management)
Mary Kate McDade, Saint Joseph's (Business)