Sept. 4, 2004

The text below is the script read during Brittanie Budinger's Number Retirement ceremony September 3, 2004 at War Memorial Gym.

At this time ladies and gentlemen, would you please turn your attention towards mid-court for a special presentation. Tonight the University of San Francisco and the USF Athletics Department will honor the career accomplishments of the most decorated player in program history with the highest honor it can bestow upon a student-athlete. Only eight players in school history have had their number retired for perpetuity and tonight this exclusive club of USF legends welcomes the first volleyball player - Brittanie Budinger.

The most dominant player in program history, Budinger will be the first player in program history and only the ninth overall to be enshrined in the rafters of Memorial Gym.

Budinger, USF's career kills (1,518) and single-season kills (556) leader propelled the Dons to the best record (23-8) in program history and the first NCAA Tournament appearance for San Francisco volleyball in 2003. Budinger capped her record-setting career at the University of San Francisco with selection to the 2003 All-Pacific Region Honorable Mention list.

Budinger keyed USF's emergence in the powerful West Coast Conference last season, energizing a program with just two winning seasons in 26 seasons to new heights. The Dons exploded out of the gate setting league records for best start to a season (15-0) and posted the best record turnaround (+17) in league history after winning just six matches in 2002. The 5-9 outside hitter played a key role during the Dons' record-setting start, earning three tournament MVP honors, helping USF to their first victory against a top-25 opponent (#19 Washington State) and the first ever top-25 ranking when the Dons debuted at #24 in the Sept. 29 USA Today/AVCA Top-25 Coaches Poll.

For the season, Budinger ranked fourth among WCC leaders in kills (4.80), digs (3.41) and points (5.38) and pounded a season-high 29 kills against #5 Pepperdine (11/1/03). When squaring off against nationally elite programs, Budinger elevated her game, averaging 5.03 kills on .294 hitting to go along with 2.97 digs per game. Her name litters the USF career and single season record books where she ranks in the career and single-season top-five in virtually every meaningful offensive category.

Budinger earned 2003 All-West Coast Conference First Team honors for the second consecutive season, becoming the first player in program history to earn two first team selections. USF's Student-Athlete of the Month for September and November, Budinger posted a league-leading 22 double-double matches and tallied 10 or more kills in 39 consecutive matches dating back to last season.

Ladies and gentlemen, at this time please join us as we honor Brittanie Budinger.