Leslie received 27 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Yolanda Griffith of the Sacramento Monarchs finished second with six votes. Leslie led the league in rebounds (9.9 per game), defensive rebounds (8.1) and blocked shots (2.88).

"I wanted to do more things defensively this year, which included more blocked shots," Leslie said. "I improved blocking shots with my left hand. I saw more active defense this year."

Leslie and teammate Nikki Teasley also received awards for leading the WNBA in rebounds and assists, respectively. Teasley averaged 6.1 assists.