Jady van Gils, a senior midfielder from East Stroudsburg University, has been named a finalist for the DII Honda Athlete of the Year Award for Field Hockey for the second year in a row as announced today by Executive Director Chris Voelz of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.
van Gils 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 announced at the end of the academic year as part of the CWSA program, now in its 49th year.
“It’s an incredible honor and privilege to be one of the 11 finalists for the Division II Honda Award back-to-back,” said van Gils. “This award holds deep personal meaning for me, as Honda’s commitment to women’s athletics across all divisions is truly transformative.”
“As my college career comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on how proud I am of what I’ve achieved and thankful I am for everything East Stroudsburg University has offered me—the chance to continue my academic and athletic journey in a different country and grow in ways I never imagined. Starting my journey at a young age shaped me both as an athlete and as a person, and this recognition feels like a perfect reflection of my time in the U.S.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my coaches and teammates, as no individual honor is ever achieved alone—it’s a reflection of the incredible team we have. The support, and joy I’ve experienced with my teammates and support staff have been invaluable.
Thank you to my friends, past and current teammates, the Athletic Department, the Sport Management Department, President Long, ESU’s fanbase, and, most importantly, my family. This achievement would not have been possible without all of you.”
van Gils, from Amersfoort, The Netherlands, was recently named the DII National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Player of the Year for the second consecutive season after earning NFHCA DII First Team All-America honors for the third year in a row.
This season, van Gils set career highs in points (35), goals (12), and assists (11), leading the Warriors in both points and assists. She ranked first in assists, fourth in points, and tied for sixth in goals in the PSAC, while nationally, she tied for fourth in assists and tied for seventh in points.
Over her career, van Gils started 79 of 81 games, recording 28 goals, 29 assists, and nine game-winning goals. Her 29 career assists rank third in program history, and her 11 assists this season are tied for the sixth-most by a Warrior.
In addition to being a two-time NFHCA National Player of the Year and Honda Award finalist, her accolades include two-time PSAC Athlete of the Year (2023, 2024), three-time All-PSAC honoree, and two-time NFHCA Region Player of the Year and Synapse Sports First Team All-America selection.
Off the field, she has been recognized as a PSAC Scholar-Athlete and a CSC Academic All-America honoree.
“We are incredibly proud that Jady van Gils has been named a finalist for the Division II Honda Athlete of the Year Award for the second consecutive year,” stated head coach Sandy Miller. “This recognition speaks volumes about Jady’s dedication, relentless work ethic, and exceptional leadership on and off the field.”
“Over the course of her four years at ESU, she has been a driving force behind our team’s success, leading us to NCAA championship appearances each year. Jady’s commitment to excellence and her passion for the game have not only elevated our program but also set a remarkable standard of achievement for future athletes. She truly embodies the spirit of a champion, and we are fortunate to have had her as a part of our team.”
All finalists for the DII and DIII Honda Athlete of the Year will be honored during a live telecast on CBS Sports Network in June in New York City.
The Honda Sport Award recognizes student-athletes in 11 NCAA-sanctioned sports, including cross country, basketball, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, volleyball, and track & field.
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
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/.