By Gill Vesely

With the help of their 18-0 Big Ten record and their Big Ten Championship title, members of the Maryland women’s basketball team and head coach Brenda Frese won multiple Big Ten awards across a range of categories on Monday night.

Frese was named Big Ten Coach of the Year by both her fellow coaches and the Big Ten media. Maryland had more representation than any other team in the Big Ten coaches’ selection of the All-Big Ten First Team with Lexie Brown, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, and Brionna Jones all earning spots. Brown was also one of five on the All-Defensive Team while Laurin Mincy made the Second Team roster.In addition, Malina Howard was granted a Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Honor by the Big Ten coaches.

Frese spoke to the media via conference call Monday night, saying “You have to be ready to play, or you’re going to go home,” when asked about the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. She discussed both Maryland basketball teams, noting that success this season has put Maryland in the national spotlight. Having two ranked teams creates a “phenomenal buzz within the University,” she said, and it’s “definitely something that both programs are extremely proud of.”

Frese’s Big Ten top-seed Terps will play their first tournament game Friday, March 6th, at 11:30 a.m. Central Time.