Former UConn star and current Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles has been named the most valuable player in the WNBA.Charles scored in double figures in 30 of 33 games during the regular season including a season-high of 30 points in a June 3 game against Washington with 18 double doubles.

Charles set a franchise record by averaging 18 points per game and won the rebounding title for the third time in as many seasons and led the league in double-doubles.

She became the first WNBA players with three 20-point, 20-rebound games when she had 23 points and 22 rebounds in a game against Atlanta on June 17.

Charles, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 WNBA draft, is the WNBA’s career leader with an average of 11.1 rebounds per game.

Charles joins 2009 winner Diana Taurasi as the only UConn graduates to win the WNBA’s top individual honor.

The announcement was made before the Sun hosted the New York Liberty in the opening game in the Eastern Conference semifinals at Mohegan Sun Arena. It was also announced that Kara Lawson was named the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award winner, Renee Montgomery was named the winner of the Sixth Woman of the Year and Mohegan Sun Arena will host the 2013 WNBA All-Star Game.

Charles was quick to credit her teammates for the special which resulted in her winning the WNBA’s top individual award.

“They are why I am here and able to receive this award,” Charles said. “They have propelled me to this position.”