Head coach Rene Portland kept the banquet lively with humorous behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the season. Each player was recognized by Portland, who summarized their defining moments from the 2005-06 season -- both on and off the court.

Click here for photos of the 2006 Lady Lion banquet.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; April 9, 2006 - The Penn State women's basketball team held its annual postseason banquet today at the Nittany Lion Inn and honored both players and supporters of the program for their dedication and commitment during the season.

Amanda Brown (Kennett Square, Pa.) was given the Joanie O'Brien Award as the Lady Lions' most outstanding player. Brown also picked up the Academic Achievement Award for her outstanding work in the classroom. Adrienne Squire (Indianapolis, Ind.) won the Robin Lombard Award in recognition of those qualities which exemplify the true spirit of Lady Lion Basketball. Brittany Remmey (Doylestown, Pa.) picked up the Jeanette Goss Courage Award and Kam Gissendanner (Clairton, Pa.) was honored with the Tom Caldwell award given to the "unsung hero" on the team. Tony Pupo of Reedsville, Pa., Bitsey and Jerry Robertson, of State College, and six Penn State students who work with the Cager Kidz Club were also honored.

Brown was one of just two players in the Big Ten (Conference Player of the Year Jessica Davenport being the other) to rank in the Conference top 10 in points (15.6 ppg, 6th), rebounding (7.3 rpg, 4th) and blocks (1.97, 2nd). Brown, who was named a second-team All-Big Ten honoree this year, led the team in all three categories. Brown started all of the Lady Lions' 29 games this year, reaching double-digit scoring figures in all but three contests and double-digit rebounding figures six times. In the classroom Brown has excelled as well. A science major, she carries a 3.59 g.p.a., made all the more impressive considering she missed the first six weeks of the fall semester while playing with the Canada National Team in the FIBA World Championship Qualifying Tournament.

Squire turned in a remarkable shooting performance this year for the Lady Lions. Not only did she lead the team, Big Ten and nation in free throw shooting percentage (.964, 80-83), but she also set a new NCAA single-season record, breaking the old mark of 95.7 percent (88-92), set in 2004 by Tennessee's Shanna Zolman. Squire was also the team's best 3-point shooter, hitting 36 percent of her shots from behind the arc, which ranked 11th in the Big Ten.

Remmey became a fan favorite this year after her remarkable story became public. Remmey walked on to the team after spending the last year playing on the Penn State Club Team. Remmey, who grew up watching the Lady Lions, picked her uniform number (No. 44) in honor of her favorite Lady Lion, Angie Potthoff. The shooting guard was a part of several critical wins for the Lady Lions, including the team's double-overtime win vs. Texas Tech in December.

Gissendanner, named the team's unsung hero, won the award after taking on captain duties as a sophomore, and turning in one clutch performance after another. The 6-1 guard scored 34 points vs. Texas Tech, which was the second-highest scoring output in the Big Ten this year. She reached double-digit scoring figures in 25 of the Lady Lions' 29 games, and consistently turned in an all-around effort, ranking second on the team in assists, at 2.3 per game and third in rebounding at 3.9 per contest. Gissendanner earned Big Ten honorable mention nods from both the coaches and the media this year.

Tony Pupa of State College was honored with the Hank Gambocurta Award recognizing outstanding service to the Lady Lions. Pupa is a longtime member of the Cager Club and is the co-Chair of the Bus Committee.

Bitsey and Jerry Robertson were honored with the Ruth Ingram Award in recognition of their outstanding enthusiasm and support. The State College residents are fixtures at home games and regularly follow the Lady Lions on the road to support the team. Bitsey Robertson is a current Cager Club Board member, and both have served on various Cager Club committees.

Penn State students Sarah Heidelbaugh (Jr.-Education), Amy Seybert (Fr.-Kinesiology), Nicole Vaughn (Jr.-Psychology), Allison Duggan (Sr.-Education), Cortney Thomas (Fr.-Advertising) and Megan Dougherty (So.-Kinesiology) were all honored with the Kent Petersen Student Fan of the Year Award. The six students worked with the Rene's Dunkers Kidz Club this year, overseeing the club during games and assisting in the operational responsibilities of the club.