Kroon Finalist for "V Foundation" Comeback Award Again
March 8, 2005

SEATTLE (Mar. 8) ­ Brittney Kroon, starting center of Seattle Pacific University's top-seeded team in this weekend's NCAA Division II West Regional, has been chosen as a finalist for the V Foundation Comeback Award for the second year in a row. The award is presented in partnership with ESPN and the recipient will be announced during ESPN's basketball Final Four/NIT weekend coverage.

While in high school, Kroon (Jr., 6-4, Wasilla, Ak.) was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis (where the body's immune system attacks its own liver). Her name was on the national liver recipient list. Following her senior season, in March of 2002, a donor was again identified and Kroon underwent successful transplant surgery at the University of Washington Medical Center.

Today, Kroon fulfills a key role for Seattle Pacific team (25-2), which enters the postseason ranked No. 4 in the nation. The Falcons host the West Regional tournament beginning Friday at Brougham Pavilion. They face Montana State Billings in the first round at 7:30.

Kroon leads the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and third in NCAA shot-blocking (3.74 per game, including 11 in one contest), while averaging 9.7 points and 7.0 rebounds. She also leads the GNAC in field-goal percentage (.597) and is on pace to break the season school record.

Kroon owns all SPU and GNAC single game, season and career records for blocked shots.

The Comeback Award, now in its fifth year, is given annually to a college basketball student-athlete who has accomplished a personal triumph in the face of true adversity, be it in health, life or moral dilemma. It is presented by The V Foundation and ESPN in honor of late basketball coach Jim Valvano, whose battle with cancer inspired the creation of The V Foundation.

In his memorable speech at ESPN's inaugural ESPY Awards announcing the creation of The V Foundation, Valvano's "Don't Give Up. . .Don't Ever Give Up!"® motto created a legacy from which the Comeback Award has been created.

More than 50 student-athletes were nominated for the award. Grant Dykstra of Western Washington is also a finalist.