March 5, 2006

PITTSBURGH - Pitt head women's basketball coach Agnus Berenato has been named the Dapper Dan Sportswoman of the Year for 2005, announced today by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and will be honored at the 70th annual Dapper Dan Dinner and Sports Auction on April 30 at the Hilton Pittsburgh.

Berenato has put Pitt women's basketball on the map with a 19-9 mark in 2005-06 after Saturday night's first-round victory at the Big East Championship in Hartford. The victory total is the highest since the 1994-95 season and has put the Panthers on track for just their fourth postseason tournament appearance in the program's 32-year history and perhaps the first NCAA Championship berth.

"As I said when I found out I was up for the award, I feel very honored to even be considered," Berenato said. "Winning the award is extra special but this is a team award. The administration at the University of Pittsburgh, my staff, my assistant coaches and my student-athletes share in this award. It's an honor for the team."

Much has changed in just three years, when Berenato took over a struggling Panthers program that needed rebuilt and revitalized. After winning 13 games a year ago, Pitt has exploded into the national spotlight by clinching its first winning season in six years and a Big East quarterfinals appearance tonight vs. No. 15 DePaul at 8 p.m. on CSTV.

Joining Berenato on the podium on April 30 will be Dapper Dan Sportsman of the Year Jerome Bettis, a running back for the Super Bowl XL champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tickets for the dinner and auction can be purchased online by going to www.post-gazette.com. Founded as a businessman's sports club in 1936 by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports editor Al Abrams, the Dapper Dan Charities organization has become one of the most recognizable charity foundations in Western Pennsylvania. The Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year recognize the local sports figures who shine the brightest light on the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.