Connecticut Sun guard Kara Lawson was named the winner of the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award.

“Kara Lawson has represented the WNBA admirably and has done a phenomenal job in elevating its name over the course of her career,” said WNBA President Laurel J. Richie in a statement.  “As evidenced by her efforts on behalf of the Pat Summitt Foundation, Kara is an ambassador and leader for all levels of basketball as well as a role model to girls and women everywhere.”

During the 2012 season, Lawson donated $50 for each three-pointer made to the Pat Summitt Foundation in honor of her collegiate coach. Summitt was diagnosed with early-onset dementia.  In total, the three-point campaign raised 32,000.  In January of 2013, Lawson was named an honorary co-chair of the Pat Summitt Foundation Advisory Board.

The Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award is presented annually.  Each WNBA team nominated one player and a designated committee selected Lawson as the winner.  The WNBA will make a $10,000 donation to the Pat Summitt Foundation on behalf of Lawson.

"I'm thrilled to receive the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award.  My relationship with Dawn goes back over 20 years,” said Lawson in a statement.  “She was the first female basketball player I looked up to and tried to model myself after.  She left an indelible impression on the women's game.  I've always felt that being mentioned in the same breath as Dawn meant you were doing things the right way.  My goal has always been to have a positive impact in my community.  In my role with the Pat Summitt Foundation, I have the opportunity to work with a passionate group dedicated to end Alzheimer's. Thank you to Dawn and the WNBA for this prestigious award."