The first half of the 2008-09 Big East Awards were announced today through press release (the major awards will be announced tomorrow at a 5pm news conference at the Big East Tournament). As usual, the team that fails to be recognized during the season because they are held to a higher standard cleans up during the postseason awards.

2008-09 Big East Defensive Player of the Year:
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
2008-09 Big East Sixth Man Award:
Jr. SG China Threatt, DePaul
2008-09 Big East Most Improved Player Award:
Sr. SF Laura Kurz, Villanova and So. SG Sarah Miles, West Virginia
2008-09 Big East Sportsmanship Award:
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut

2008-09 All Big East First Team:
Jr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut*
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut*
So SF Maya Moore, Connecticut*
Sr. PF Candyce Bingham, Louisville
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
RJr. SF Lindsay Schrader, Notre Dame
Sr. SG Shavonte Zellous, Pittsburgh*
Jr. SG Epiphanny Prince, Rutgers*
*Sr. PG Shantia Grace, South Florida
Sr. PG Chandrea Jones, Syracuse
Sr. SF Laura Kurz, Villanova*

2008-09 All Big East Second Team:
Jr. SG Kahla Roudebush, Cincinnati
Jr. SG Deirdre Naughton, DePaul
Sr. PF Natasha Williams, DePaul
So. PG Angel Robinson, Marquette
Jr. SG Ashley Barlow, Notre Dame
Sr. SF Xenia Stewart, Pittsburgh
Sr. SG Monique McLean, St. John’s
Sr. PF Noteisha Womack, Seton Hall
Sr. SG Takisha Granberry, West Virginia
So. SG Liz Repella, West Virginia

2008-09 All Big East Honorable Mention:
Sr. SG Karee Houlette, Georgetown
Sr. PG Krystal Ellis, Marquette
Sr. C Kia Vaughn, Rutgers
Jr. PF Nicole Michael, Syracuse

2008-09 All Big East Freshmen Team:
Fr. PG Shanasa Sanders, Cincinnati
Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes, Connecticut
Fr. PF Keisha Hampton, DePaul
Fr. SF Monique Reid, Louisville
Fr. PF Jessica Pachko, Marquette
Fr. SG Natalie Novosel, Notre Dame
Fr. PF Erica Solomon, Notre Dame
Fr. C Shawnice Wilson, Pittsburgh
Fr. PF Da’Shena Stevens, St. John's*
Fr. PF Kandice Green, Seton Hall

*unanimous selection