The players were recognized and awards were handed out on Saturday afternoon at the annual Valparaiso University Women’s Basketball Banquet held at the Strongbow Inn Banquet Center.

Head coach Keith Freeman honored each of the team members in front of nearly 100 supporters at the annual event to wrap up the 2009-2010 season.  In addition, Freeman handed out the awards that were voted upon by the various team members.

Kelly Peller (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton H.S.) and Rashida Ray (Fort Wayne, Ind./Harding H.S.) were honored for their leadership during the season as team captains.

Peller also 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. 

Whitney Farris (Kokomo, Ind./Kokomo H.S.) 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.