Kodak All-American, two-time First Team All-American, two-time conference player of the year, All-America Scholar Athlete.  Kara Brandau is the only athlete in Viterbo history to achieve so many high honors and the first female athlete to have her number retired.

Her talent was evident from the start, but she blossomed into a dominant player her junior and senior seasons.  At 5'7", Brandau was a force on offense as she could play any position.  Her versatility was a match-up nightmare for opponents as she averaged 19.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as a junior and 23.5 points and 8.8 rebounds as a senior.  Equally dominant on defense, her ability to steal the ball always kept opponents on edge. 

Brandau was also known for her poise under pressure.  In 2001, she calmly buried two game-winning buzzer-beaters during Viterbo's undefeated conference season in which the team finished with a 30-5 overall record and #4 ranking in the final national poll.

 "With all of her skill and talent, what set Kara Brandau apart was her team spirit," stated Coach Vandenberg.  "Her humility was even more evident than her talent and she was universally loved and respected by her teammates.  This quality made her a unique star-she never acted the part." 

Kara Brandau holds every Viterbo scoring and steal record and is third in all-time rebounds.  Yet, fans and teammates will most remember her poise, grace and humble spirit.