Valparaiso University’s women’s basketball program has announced its two annual award winners from the 2011-2012 season, with Laura Richards (Connersville, Ind./Connersville H.S.) and Ashley Varner (South Bend, Ind./Washington H.S.) picking up the honors.

Richards was awarded the Prepare to be a Champion Award in recognition of Julie Bigler, a student-athlete who relentlessly worked to be the best she could be, and whose attitude pierced the heart of everyone around her.  Richards, a junior, ranks seventh on Valpo’s career list with 288 assists in her first three seasons.

Varner was the recipient of the Dorothy M. McCormick Award, presented in recognition of her talent, ability, and devotion to the ideals of the Valparaiso University Women’s Basketball program.  Varner, a fifth-year senior, finished her career 10^th on the school’s rebounding charts with 595 boards during her stay at Valpo.