NEW YORK -- Teresa Edwards, 40, the only American basketball player to compete in five Olympics, was announced the winner of the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award on Saturday.

Widely regarded as the matriarch of women's basketball, Edwards has played nearly everywhere in her almost two decades as a pro. After reaching the Final Four twice at Georgia, she competed overseas for eight years before returning to the United States in 1996 to play in the ABL.

After three season in the ABL, Edwards was selected by the Minnesota Lynx in the second round of the 2003 WNBA draft. In two seasons with the Lynx, she has averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 assists in 68 career games.

"I cannot think of another player who is more deserving of this award," Minnesota coach and two-time recipient of the award Suzie McConnell Serio said. "She is so easy to coach because she has so much experience, commands enormous respect from the other players and holds such a deep passion and love for the game."

Away from the court, the four-time Olympic gold medalist has been active in her community through her work with the Beautiful Light Baptist Church in her native Georgia. She also has worked closely with the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity to help provide housing for underprivileged families in the Minnesota area.

Edwards will receive a Tiffany-designed trophy and a cash award of $5,000. In addition, she has designated an additional $5,000 to go to the Beautiful Light Baptist Church.