Peyton Howell, a junior from the University of Tampa, has been named a finalist for the DII Honda Athlete of the Year for Lacrosse, as announced today by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

Howell is among 11 elite finalists for this prestigious award, which recognizes the top NCAA Division II athletes across various sports. The winner will be determined through national balloting by representatives from over 1,000 NCAA member schools and will be honored during a live telecast on CBS Sports Network on June 30^th, at 7:00 pm ET, in New York City.

“I’m incredibly honored to be named a finalist for this award alongside such inspiring female athletes,” stated Howell. “This recognition means so much to me not just personally, but as a reflection of the amazing teammates, coaches, and supporters who have shaped my journey. I’m so grateful to represent the University of Tampa and to be part of a program that has helped me grow both on and off the field.”

Howell, a standout attacker from Towson, Md., was named the 2025 Division II IWLCA Player and Attacker of the Year and earned IWLCA First Team All-America honors. The junior led her team to a second consecutive NCAA Championship, earning NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player honors after scoring eight goals across the semifinal and final rounds.

A dominant force all season, Howell was also named the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Attack Player of the Year, collected First Team All-SSC recognition, and was named to the SSC All-Championship Team while helping her squad secure the league title.

She ranked fourth nationally with 93 goals and tied for eighth with 116 points. Through her career, she has totaled 139 goals and 50 assists for 189 points.

“It is such an honor to see Peyton Howell recognized as a finalist for the DII Honda Athlete of the Year award,” stated head coach Kelly Gallagher. “It is a true testament to her tireless work ethic, commitment, and grit she displays every day in pursuit of excellence for both her and our team."

Now in its 49th year, the CWSA honors the nation’s top female collegiate athletes for their exceptional athletic performance, leadership, academic achievements, and community service. Since partnering with Honda in 1986, the program has awarded over $3.4 million in institutional grants to support women’s athletics at universities across the country.

About Honda Corporate Social Responsibility and the Honda USA Foundation 

For more than 65 years in the U.S., Honda has been committed to making positive contributions to the communities where its associates live and work. The company’s mission is to create products and services that help people fulfill their life’s potential, while conducting business in a sustainable manner and fostering an inclusive workplace. Advancing its corporate social responsibility, Honda and the Honda USA Foundation support this direction through giving focused on education, the environment, mobility, traffic safety, and community.  

Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/.