April 16, 1999

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - End of the season awards were distributed on Friday night at the Maryland women's basketball awards banquet, held at the Stamp Student Union Grand Ballroom on the Maryland campus.

Top award winners were Branka Bogunovic, Deedee Warley and Kelley Gibson.

Bogunovic, a junior from Serbia in her third Terrapin season, continued to make progress since coming to the United States three years ago. Bogunovic was an honorable mention All-ACC performer during the Terps' 6-21 season which ended in February, and was presented by head coach Chris Weller with the team's Academic Award, honoring the student-athlete with the highest academic average.

Bogunovic also was honored with one of two Iron Woman of the Year awards which credit the top participants in the Terps' off-season conditioning program. She was also awarded honors for leading the Terps in rebounding and field goal percentage in 1998-99.

Warley was honored as the Terps' most improved player for showing the greatest growth during the season, reflecting hard work and initiative. Warley emerged to average 13.4 points per game and become just the fourth freshman ever to lead Maryland's women's basketball team in scoring. Warley was a member of the ACC All-Freshman Team, and was just two votes from earning ACC Rookie of the Year accolades.

Gibson, the team's lone senior, was presented with the coveted Terrapin Award which honors the person making the greatest off-court and on-court contributions to the total Maryland program. Gibson underwent three knee surgeries during her five-year career, and returned as a senior to play in 19 games and finish second to Warley in scoring. She was the Maryland team captain and finished her career among all-time leaders in scoring, 3-point field goals, assists, steals and blocked shots.

Other award winners included Antonieta Gabriel who joined Bogunovic as a recipient of the Iron Woman of the Year Award. Tiffany Brown earned mention as the team's best defensive player and assist leader. Freshman Marche Strickland was acknowledged as Maryland's top free throw shooter.