Jazzy Richards, a junior soccer player from the University of Oklahoma, is named the Class of 2020 Honda Inspiration Award winner as announced by Chris Voelz of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards presented by Honda (CWSA).
The Honda Inspiration Award is given to a deserving female student-athlete in Division I, II or III who has experienced extraordinary physical and/or emotional adversity, injury and/or illness, or experienced extraordinary personal sacrifice during her college enrollment as a student-athlete and yet returns to athletic success.
“I really appreciate even being considered for this award,“ stated Richards. “To say it is an honor is an understatement. I am extremely grateful, and thankful to share this with my teammates, coaches, family, and doctors. Without them, none of this would be possible.”
Richards was chosen as the winner by the CWSA Board of Directors and the three finalists were chosen by the CWSA Inspiration Award committee. The other two finalists were Savannah Rennie (Cal, Volleyball) and Alexandra Watson (Texas, Rowing).
“The story of athletes triumphing over adversity is always poignant but at this particular time of pandemic uncertainty, it seems to offer a much-needed story of hope, recovery and even greater inspiration," stated Voelz. “While the story of any finalist is compelling, Jazzy, the Class of 2020 winner, dealt with a rare condition and, with great courage, made critical decisions which kept her alive and returned her to the playing field. Our gratitude to her family and the Sooner family for sharing her story with us.”
An Inspiration Award winner has been selected annually for the past 32 years and this year is no different. However, the CWSA’s desire to recognize deserving honorees is balanced by the need for caution. Given the nationwide pandemic, the CWSA announced the cancellation of the 2020 Collegiate Women Sports Awards event in Los Angeles, but Richards will be invited to the 2021 45th anniversary event next June. In addition, each of the 2020 finalists’ stories will be highlighted along with those of the Class of 2021 finalists in an hour-long Honda Inspiration Award special on CBS Sports Network next year.
"One of the special duties of The CWSA Board of Directors is the selection of the Honda Inspiration Award winner,” said Jean Lenti Ponsetto, Chair of the CWSA Board of Directors. " The nominees were all impressive and the finalists amazing. We admire the effort made and bravery shown in facing their adversity and coming back to competition. Today we celebrate the selection of Jazzy Richards who, given the rarity of her condition and the challenging road back to competition, garnered our special notice. It is women like her who stand for the "best of the best” not only for the Collegiate Women Sports Awards but for all intercollegiate athletics. We congratulate Jazzy, her parents and doctors, coaches and teammates who all served as a strong and vital support system.“
Richards’ journey began in 2018 after she collided with another player on the soccer field. Despite not feeling much pain, a few days later, the incoming freshman discovered blood in her urine and was referred by her athletic trainer to a local hospital for scanning and tests. She was sent home the next day for a month of rest and no physical activity. When her symptoms had not improved after a month, she was referred to a specialist who found a tumor in her bladder which was determined to be malignant. Incredibly, Richards was the only known person in the world to be diagnosed with a brain tumor in her bladder.
There was no treatment protocol for this aggressive cancer and chemotherapy was not known to work for this type of cancer. Doctors presented two treatment options to Richards and her parents: monitor the tumor and, if it grows, remove the entire bladder, or remove the bladder immediately. The family made the difficult decision to remove the bladder.
Six weeks after surgery, Richards returned to campus cancer free. In March 2019, she was cleared to resume training. In May, she returned to soccer and played in all 19 games of the 2019 season, starting 10. Her first career goal came against Sooner rival, the Texas Longhorns, just over a year after her journey had begun.
“We are all very proud and grateful for the recognition of Jazzy,” said Oklahoma head coach Mark Carr. “Going through what she went through and showing that level of resilience, grit and determination to fight back is truly remarkable. This is a celebration for our whole OU soccer family.”
“In my short time working with her, she really is an incredible young woman. She epitomizes the profile of an OU student-athlete and the type of person we want here at OU. Moving forward, I know we will lean on her and all her experiences as we look to take our OU soccer program to the next level.”
The CWSA, in its 44th year, honors the nation’s top NCAA women athletes recognizing superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service. Since commencing its sponsorship 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 at the institutions.
About Honda Corporate Social Responsibility
Honda also is committed to making positive contributions to the communities where it does business, conducting socially responsible business practices and promoting diversity in its workforce. From Honda's involvement in STEM education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to its support of pediatric brain tumor research and volunteer efforts by Honda associates, including environmental clean-up activities, Honda believes in giving back to the communities where its associates live and work. Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/.