The first half of the 2011-12 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).

2011-12 Big East Defensive Player of the Year:
Sr. F Devereaux Peters, Notre Dame

2011-12 Big East Most Improved Player Award:
Sr. G Jasmine Wynne, South Florida

2011-12 Big East Sixth Man Award:
Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Connecticut

2011-12 Big East Sportsmanship Award:
Sr. G Deanna Ortiz, DePaul
Sr. F Da'Shena Stevens, St. John's

2011-12 All-Big East Teams:
First Team:
So. G Bria Hartley, Connecticut
Jr. G Tiffany Hayes, Connecticut*
Jr. G Anna Martin, DePaul*
So. G Ta'Shauna "Sugar" Rodgers, Georgetown*
So. G Shoni Schimmel, Louisville
So. G Skylar Diggins, Notre Dame*
Jr. G Natalie Novosel, Notre Dame
Sr. F Devereaux Peters, Notre Dame
Sr. G Khadijah Rushdan, Rutgers
Jr. W Shenneika Smith, St. John’s
Jr. C Asya Bussie, West Virginia

Second Team:
RSo. G Dayeesha Hollins, Cincinnati
Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Connecticut
Sr. W April Sykes, Rutgers
Jr. G Nadirah McKenith, St. John’s
Sr. F Da’Shena Stevens, St. John’s
Sr. G Jasmine Crew, Seton Hall
Sr. G Jasmine Wynne, USF
So. C Kayla Alexander, Syracuse
Sr. FIasia Hemingway, Syracuse
Jr. F Laura Sweeney, Villanova

Honorable Mention:
So. C Stefanie Dolson, Connecticut
Jr. F Katherine Harry, DePaul
Sr. F Tia Magee, Georgetown
So. F Katherine Plouffe, Marquette
Jr. C Monique Oliver, Rutgers
RSo. G Christal Caldwell, West Virginia

Freshmen Team:
Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Connecticut*
Fr. C Kiah Stokes, Connecticut
Fr. G Brittany Hrynko, DePaul*
Fr. G Bria Smith, Louisville*
Fr. G Arlesia Morse, Marquette
Fr. G Brianna Kiesel, Pittsburgh*
Fr. W Betnijah Laney, Rutgers
Fr. F Amber Thompson, St. John’s
RFr. F Lauren Burford, Villanova
Fr. G Linda Stepney, West Virginia

* - unanimous selection