NaLyssa Smith, a junior foward from Baylor University, was named the Honda Sport Award winner for Basketball 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 45 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 2021 Honda Cup, which will be presented on a telecast on CBS Sports Network on June 28th at 9 pm ET.
Smith was chosen by a vote of administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools. Finalists included Dana Evans (Louisville), Naz Hillmon (Michigan) and Rhyne Howard (Kentucky).
“I am so honored to be receiving the Honda Sports Award for women’s basketball”, said Smith. “To win this award is an honor and a blessing. I would like to thank my parents, family members, coaches and teammates for the support throughout this season and in life. More to come!”
The forward from Converse, Texas, was named the 2021 Wade Trophy/WBCA Player of the Year and earned the 2021 Katrina McClain Award. She is a first-team All-American by the AP, WBCA, ESPN.com and Wooden Award.
She led her team in scoring (18.0 ppg) and rebounds (8.9 rpg) and shot 56.1 percent from the field. The 2021 Big 12 Player of the Year and Big 12 Championship Most Outstanding Player of the Year led Baylor to its 12th Big 12 Regular Season Championship, the 11th Big 12 Tournament Championship and the program's 10th NCAA Elite 8 appearance.
“We are thrilled for NaLyssa”, stated Head Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey. “Her performance all season, and since she’s arrived at Baylor, is deserving of recognition. We are proud that she has won the Honda Award and that she continues to bring a positive spotlight to Baylor University and our program.”
The CWSA, celebrating its 45th anniversary 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 improving children’s health, inspiring underrepresented students, preserving the environment for future generations, creating safety for everyone, and strengthening our communities. Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/.