Collegiate Women Sports Awards

“I’m very grateful and honored to win this award,” said Gayles. “It’s a big moment for me to have come this far and to be recognized for my hard work and dedication. I’m also very happy to be among these other two finalists who have also overcome so much. I want to say thank you to everyone for believing in me and my story, and for all the support and love I have received. Fight on!”

“Aaliyah Gayles’ story of her overcoming incredible odds for returning to her sport is filled with sheer determination and dedication toward getting back on the court with her teammates,” said Jean Lenti Ponsetto, Chair of the CWSA Board of Directors. “Her courage and commitment are truly inspirational.”

Gayles, a McDonald’s High School All-American out of Las Vegas, Nev., overcame a harrowing ordeal after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds at a house party in her senior year of high school. Despite enduring multiple fractures and surgeries, Gayles remained steadfast in her commitment to basketball, signing her National Letter of Intent to USC from her hospital bed. 

The guard began play in the fall of 2023 and her return to the court, marked by a standing ovation and her first three-pointer as a Trojan, symbolized her unwavering determination and courage. Gayles averaged 1.4 ppg on a veteran-laden team and helped the Trojans to the Elite Eight of the 2024 NCAA Championship. 

"We are thrilled that Aaliyah is being recognized with such a prestigious award for the qualities that we see every day: her fighting spirit, belief, loyalty and incredible strength,” stated head women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb. “The Honda Awards recognize the best of the best in collegiate athletics, and AG belongs in this company. She has handled an unfathomable circumstance with unwavering faith and strength. She is a valued and important member of our USC women’s basketball team and remains an inspiration to our staff and players, as well as anyone who has the pleasure to know her. We are very proud.”