The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association named Stanford’s Candice Wiggins winner of the 2008 Wade Trophy in Division I. The award honors the top player in Division I that embodies the spirit of legendary Delta State Coach Lily Margaret Wade through effect on team, character and leadership.

Wiggins is just the seventh player in Division I history to earn all-America honors all four seasons. She is a three-time Pac-10 Player of the Year, the only student-athlete to achieve that honor three times.

“Candice Wiggins demonstrates what this award is all about,” said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. “She is not only a force on the court, but is also a great role model to the community. I am certain Lily Margaret Wade would be pleased to know Candice is receiving this award in her honor.”

Regarded as the “Heisman Trophy of Women’s Basketball,” the Wade trophy became the first-ever women’s national player of the year award in college basketball in 1978. Last year’s winner was Tennessee’s Candace Parker. The two will meet in tomorrow night’s Final Four in Tampa, Florida.