The Michigan women’s basketball team is losing five seniors — four of whom were starters — to graduation. More importantly, the Wolverines are losing the heart and soul of their historic season.

The end-of-the-season banquet culminated the 2012-2013 season on Wednesday night in front of a crowd filled with families and season ticket holders. Despite an upcoming offseason where she will be losing a critical portion of her team, Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico was all smiles as she helped celebrate her team’s accomplishments.

After a brief speech from Athletic Director Dave Brandon, the women’s basketball radio play-by-play announcer, Matt Park, took over as Master of Ceremonies. Barnes Arico then gave a season recap before beginning the award ceremony.

There were no surprises from the awards with the biggest award of the night, Most Valuable Player, going to senior guard Jenny Ryan. Ryan, who also earned a third-team All-Big Ten honor, was the backbone of this team. Additionally, she was honored with the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award two weeks ago.

The most uncertain award was Most Improved Player, which could’ve gone to a number of players but was ultimately awarded to senior forward Kate Thompson. She led the team with 14.5 points per game and also earned second-team All-Big Ten honors.

Here is the full list of award winners on Wednesday night:

Diane Dietz Michigan Way Award: Kate Thompson
Unsung Hero Award: Nicole Elmblad
Leaders and Best Award: Rachel Sheffer
Heart and Hustle Award: Jenny Ryan
“The Time is Now” Award: The entire senior class
Samantha Provenzano Perseverance Award: Nya Jordan
Academic Excellence Award: Sam Arnold
Moved Improved Player: Kate Thompson
Most Valuable Player: Jenny Ryan

Barnes Arico described Ryan by saying, “she’s driven, she’s a leader, she’s everything we want this program to be.”

The captain’s accomplishments went far beyond the stat sheet. As a four-year starter, Ryan started 129 of 130 games with her one appearance off the bench coming on senior night during her freshman year.

After the awards were given and the speeches were made, all that was left to say was goodbye to Michigan’s incredible senior class and an impressive season. The five seniors have been a part of three 20-win seasons for the first time in program history and have the most wins — 80 — for a senior class. In addition, each senior has played in more then 100 career games.

As the night came to a close, the seniors took the podium one last time to say goodbye to their program. And though the night may have started with smiles, it certainly ended with tearful goodbyes as Barnes Arico’s first season at Michigan came to an end.

Note: Sophomore guard Brenae Harris was absent from the banquet. Harris, who averaged 12 points per game, will be transferring before the start of next season.