Courtesy: Matt Riley / UVa Media Relations Monica Wright

CHARLOTTESVILLE  - Virginia senior guard Monica Wright was named to the Associated Press' All-America first team, the organization announced Tuesday (Nov. 3). Wright becomes the first Virginia player to earn the honor from the AP since current assistant coach and former Cavalier great Wendy Palmer in 1995-96.

"Monica is a very humble player who shuns the spotlight," Virginia head coach Debbie Ryan said. "She is more than deserving of this honor, and has been the heart and soul of this program since she arrived."

The Woodbridge, Va., native led the ACC in scoring last season (20.5 points per game) and was recently named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year. A candidate for the Wade and Naismith Trophy as well as the Wooden Award, Wright adds this honor from the AP to a preseason list that already includes first team All-America nods from The Sporting News and Lindy's.

Joining Wright on the first team were UConn's Maya Moore and Tina Charles, Stanford's Jayne Appel and Ohio State's Jantel Lavender.

"This is a great All-America team because every one of these players has earned it over what they've done through their careers," said DePaul's Doug Bruno, who has coached all five players during different stints with USA Basketball. "It's especially great for Monica Wright, who has flown under the radar."

The Cavaliers begin the 2009-10 season at UMBC on Friday, Nov. 13. The home-opener at John Paul Jones Arena is Sunday, Nov. 15 vs. Manhattan at 2 p.m.