April 11, 2011
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's basketball team celebrated the 2010-11 season with its annual awards banquet in the Albrecht Family Practice Facility with over 250 people in attendance on Sunday, April 10.
David Lile, Mizzou women's basketball's radio play-by-play man, served as Master of Ceremonies of the event, which featured speeches from Director of Athletics Mike Alden, Head Coach Robin Pingeton and former Tiger head coach and University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame member Dr. Joann Rutherford.
Pingeton thanked the boosters, administration, coaching staff and student-athletes for their support and hard work during the season. Pingeton highlighted the squad's over 260 hours of community service, Mizzou's improved record despite playing one of the nation's toughest schedules, three wins over ranked opponents, the team's most Big 12 wins in four seasons and the overall growth of the team during the year.
Additionally, the senior class of RaeShara Brown, Shakara Jones, Bekah Mills and Jasmyn Otote addressed the crowd to thank everyone for making their time as Tigers memorable. An underclassman was chosen to introduce each senior, as junior Bailey Gee introduced Mills, sophomore Sydney Crafton introduced Otote, Brock introduced Jones and Flores introduced Brown.
Pingeton also handed out a number of awards during the banquet. Junior Christine Flores took home the Free Throw and The Board awards for leading the team in both free throw percentage (.713) and rebounds (6.1) during the course of the year. The Most Improved Award went to Brock, who doubled who total minutes played and led the team with a 47.5 shooting percentage.
Brown won the Defensive Player of the Year Award after leading the Big 12 Conference in steals for the third straight season with 2.67 spg. and ranking second on the squad with 6.0 rpg., despite standing just 5'8".
Missouri also handed out the Dr. Joann Rutherford Coach's Award, named after the former Tiger coach and given to those who embody leadership, hard work, dedication and selfishness. Pingeton gave the award to the 2011 senior class of Brown, Jones, Mills and Otote for all they brought to the team, the University and the community in their final seasons.
The event concluded with a highlight video commemorating the year.
2010-11 Missouri Women's Basketball Awards
Dr. Joann Rutherford Coach's Award: Senior class of RaeShara Brown, Shakara Jones, Bekah Mills and Jasmyn Otote
Defensive Player of the Year: RaeShara Brown
Most Improved Player Award: BreAnna Brock
The Board Award: Christine Flores
The Free Throw Award: Christine Flores