April 22, 2007

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Sophomore Lori Bjork was named the 2006-07 Illinois women's basketball Most Valuable Player at the team's post-season banquet Sunday afternoon at Champaign Country Club. Head coach Theresa Grentz recognized each of the 12 players on this year's roster, including lone senior Erin Wigley, and also handed out several special awards at the 27th annual event hosted by the Courtsiders Booster Club.

"Today was a celebration for the kids," said Grentz, who stepped down as head coach on April 17 after 12 seasons at Illinois. "It wasn't about me; it was all about the team and celebrating what a great year they had. I'm excited about the program and where it's headed, and I wanted them to know that I'll be watching and cheering for them every step of the way as we move on from this season."

Bjork, a sophomore guard from Johnston, Iowa, took home the top honor after leading the team in scoring at 14.3 points per game and earning second team All-Big Ten status. She broke the Illinois single season three-point field goals record by nailing 84 treys and led the Big Ten and ranked 14th in the nation in three-point field goals made. She also excels in the classroom, earning third team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America status.

In addition to being named team MVP, Bjork was a repeat winner for two other awards, taking home the team's Hustle Award and the Illinois Alumni Association's Ralph Woods Free Throw Award for the second straight season. She hit .825 (94-114) from the line for the season and a stellar .875 (49-56) from the stripe in conference play. The Ralf Woods Award has been given at men's basketball banquets since the mid-1930s and at women's basketball banquets since 1980.

Redshirt freshman Lacey Simpson earned the Most Improved Player Award. Simpson led the team in assists, steals and blocked shots while averaging 7.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in her first full season after taking a medical redshirt last year.

Sophomore Chelsea Gordon was named the team's Best Defensive Player for her all-around defensive prowess. She ranked second on the team in steals and third on the team and 13th in the Big Ten in blocked shots.

Junior Megan Nyquist was the team's Best Attitude Award winner for her leadership and enthusiasm despite being sidelined for the entire season to due injury. The Scout Team Player of the Year was Mike Jedlicka.

In addition to the awards, lone outgoing senior Erin Wigley was recognized for her outstanding career in Orange and Blue. This season, Wigley became the 20th player in Illinois history to reach 1,000 career points, finishing tied for 18th on the all-time scoring list with 1,023. She ended her career ranked in the top-20 in six different UI career categories.

The Fighting Illini had a successful 2006-07 season which saw them go 19-12 overall and 8-8 in the Big Ten, which was good for sole possession of fourth place. The team advanced to the post season for the 10th time in the last 11 years, reaching the round of 16 in the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

2006-07 Illinois Women's Basketball Award Winners
Most Outstanding Player - Lori Bjork
Best Defensive Player - Chelsea Gordon
Hustle Award - Lori Bjork
Most Improved Player - Lacey Simpson
Best Attitude Award - Megan Nyquist
Ralf Woods Free Throw Award - Lori Bjork
Scout Team Player of the Year - Mike Jedlicka

2006-07 Letterwinners:
Lori Bjork, Stephanie Chelleen, Danyel Crutcher, Chelsea Gordon, Danielle Gratton, Rebecca Harris, Erin McCarthy, Lacey Simpson, Jenna Smith and Erin Wigley