Golden Eagles Hold Season-Ending Senior Celebration Luncheon

April 9, 2006

MILWAUKEE -- The Marquette women's basketball team held its annual season-ending Senior Celebration luncheon this afternoon at the Union Sports Annex, on the Marquette campus.

"It is important to stop and recognize the many accomplishments of this season, while also honoring our three seniors." said head coach Terri Mitchell. "The day is also a nice way top thank our many loyal fans, supporters and administrators who mean so much to our success, each and every day."

The Golden Eagles are coming off a successful season, in which the blue and gold compiled a 22-11 overall record, and 9-7 mark in its first season in BIG EAST Conference play. The 22 wins ties the school record for most in a single-season, capped by a run through the Women's National Invitation Tournament and into the championship game. MU dropped a 77-65 decision at Kansas State on March 31 in the WNIT title contest.

The program began with an introduction from emcee Lesley Juedes, a former Golden Eagles standout who served as color analyst on MU's radio broadcast, followed by an invocation from Fr. Patrick Dorsey, S.J. - the team's chaplain.

Following the buffet lunch, members of the Golden Eagles squad addressed the crowd - by class - sharing their fondest memories and humorous anecdotes from the 2005-06 campaign. After that, Marquette's Athletic Director Bill Cords addressed those in attendance.

"The members of this year's women's basketball team had an outstanding year and made great strides in continuing to build tradition at Marquette University." said Cords. "We are all very proud of their achievements this year."

After an eight-minute highlight video, Mitchell handed out several awards that were voted on by the staff and members of the women's basketball team. Junior Jasmine McCullough was given the Leadership Award, while senior Carolyn Kieger was honored with the Tenacity Award. Junior Danielle Kamm received the Outstanding Teammate Award and senior Tierra Shirley earned the Most Valuable Defensive Player award.

Junior Christina Quaye was tabbed as MU's Most Valuable Offensive Player and freshman Krystal Ellis was named the team's Most Valuable Performer - marking the first time in 10 years that a freshman received such an accolade. Linda Raymonds, a loyal fan and supporter of Marquette Athletics, was selected as the Charles "Gordie" Baker Exceptional Fan award.

2005-06 Marquette Women's Basketball Awards Leadership Award - Jasmine McCullough
Tenacity Award - Carolyn Kieger
Outstanding Teammate Award - Danielle Kamm
Most Valuable Defensive Player - Tierra Shirley
Most Valuable Offensive Player - Christina Quaye
Most Valuable Performer - Krystal Ellis