MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 29, 1999--
Minnesota Women's Basketball Legend Becomes First
Award Recipient of a Program That Recognizes Minnesota People
Who Are Role Models and Mentors to Girls

Legendary, three-time girls Minnesota state basketball champion Janet Karvonen was honored Aug. 2, at the Target Center, in a pre-game ceremony before the Minnesota Lynx and the Phoenix Mercury game.

Karvonen, star forward of the New York Mills, Minn., state championship teams of the late `70s, has been chosen as the first recipient of the Heroes in the Making program. Co-sponsored by Jostens and the Minnesota Lynx, Heroes in the Making is a program that recognizes outstanding Minnesota people, who through their accomplishments, mentoring and positive role models, have inspired self-confidence and overall achievement

"By her example and service, Janet Karvonen has inspired many young Minnesota women to become better athletes and better all-around citizens," said Al Nuness, Jostens vice president-Renaissance. "The Minnesota Lynx' inaugural season is the perfect setting to honor this worthy recipient."

Karvonen led New York Mills to three straight Class A basketball titles in 1977, '78 and '79. Many of that team's records still stand today. Karvonen was the state's all-time leading scorer until two years ago when Megan Taylor of Roseau surpassed her.
After high school, Karvonen went on to star at Old Dominion University and Louisiana Tech University. Later she began a career as a motivational speaker and operator of very successful summer basketball camps for girls 8 to 18 years of age.
Karvonen is the first of five Heroes in the Making award recipients to be recognized at Minnesota Lynx home games.