Onyi Echegini, a senior forward from the Florida State University soccer team, was named the Honda Sport Award winner for Soccer as announced today by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA).
The Honda Sport Award has been presented annually by the CWSA for the past 48 years to the top women athletes in 12 NCAA- sanctioned sports and signifies “the best of the best in collegiate athletics”. The winner of the sport award becomes a finalist for the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the prestigious 2024 Honda Cup, which will be presented on a live telecast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 7 PM ET, from its new home in New York City.
Echegini was chosen by a vote of administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools. Finalists included Jasmine Aikey (Stanford), Hannah Anderson (Texas Tech) and Brecken Mozingo (BYU).
“It is truly an honor to receive this award,” stated Echegini. “To be mentioned among some of greatest college soccer players in the sports history is something I’ll never take for granted. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without my coaches, teammates, family and friends who have supported me throughout this journey.”
Echegini is a 2023 MAC Hermann Trophy finalist and led her team to its fourth NCAA Championship title and first undefeated season. The senior forward was also named the 2023 ACC Offensive Player of the Year en route to helping her team to the ACC Championship title and earning 2023 ACC Tournament MVP honors. She is a 2023 United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American and a First Team All-ACC honoree.
Hailing from London, England, Echegini scored 16 goals in 23 games this season tying for the eighth-most in school history. She led the ACC in goals and tied for first in points with 37, ranking in the top 10 in the nation in both categories.
“We’re just so happy for Joe. To be recognized as The Honda Award winner puts her in an elite class of players, including the two former Seminoles who have won this award- Natalia and Jaelin,” said head coach Brian Pensky. “2023 has been quite a year for Joe - from playing in the World Cup with Nigeria, to all the team and individual accomplishments of the fall. She has capped off her college career in wonderful fashion as she heads back to Europe with her degree, and fully-prepared to begin her professional career.”
The CWSA, entering its 48th year, has honored the nation’s top NCAA women athletes for their superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service. Since commencing its partnership in 1986, Honda has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants to the universities of the award winners and nominees to support women’s athletics programs.
About Honda Corporate Social Responsibility
For more than 60 years in the U.S., Honda has been committed to making positive contributions to the communities where its associates live and work. Honda’s mission is to create products and services that improve the lives of people while conducting its business in a sustainable manner and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Accordingly, Honda believes in helping people reach their life’s potential through its focus on the areas of education, the environment, mobility, traffic safety and community. Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/.