Kate Faasse, a junior from the University of North Carolina, has been named the Honda Sport Award winner for Soccer, 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 49 years to the top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports, signifying “the best of the best in collegiate athletics.” The recipient of the sport award becomes a finalist for the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the prestigious 2025 Honda Cup, which will be presented during a live telecast on CBS Sports Network in June, in New York City.
Faasse was selected via a nationwide vote of administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools. The other finalists for this year’s award were Maggie Graham (Duke), Caiyah Hanks (Wake Forest) and Taylor Huff (Florida State).
“I am humbled to have received the Honda Sport Award for Soccer,” stated Faasse. “I'd like to use this moment to recognize my teammates and coaches for what we accomplished together this past season; This award is just as much theirs as it is mine. My team, coaches, support staff, family, friends and the entire Carolina community have been vital to my journey. I wouldn't be here without them and I cannot thank them enough. I'd also like to thank the Honda family and the CWSA for supporting women's sports and uplifting female athletes. The future of women's athletics is bright, and I'm honored I get to play a small role in it while inspiring the next generation.”
Faasse, a junior forward from Phoenix, Ariz., had a standout 2024 season for the University of North Carolina. The 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy winner and a United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American, Faasse led the Tar Heels to the 2024 NCAA Championship title.
She topped the nation with 20 goals and eight game-winning goals, including a golden goal in the NCAA Quarterfinals. Her 44 points, which led the ACC and ranked second nationally, mark the most by a Tar Heel since 2008.
Recognized on the United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Atlantic Region, All-ACC First Team, and ACC All-Tournament Team, Faasse became just the eighth UNC player to record 40+ points in a season this century—and only the fourth to net 20+ goals. She delivered five multi-goal performances, including three during postseason play, and is one of only three Tar Heels in the last decade with three or more braces in a single season.
A two-time ACC All-Academic Team honoree, Faasse continues to excel both on the field and in the classroom.
“People see Kate’s goals and her well-earned accolades, but what they don’t get to see is the relentless effort she put in every single day,” noted head coach Damon Nahas. “It’s not only about what she has done on both sides of the ball, but it’s the impact she made off the field on her teammates that separated her. She has an infectious personality, positive attitude, and unmatched energy that set the tone. Individual success doesn’t always translate to team success, but her team-first mentality, along with her understanding and appreciation for how much her teammates impacted her growth and confidence, is what makes her special. All of this combined, along with her extraordinary teammates, gave us the belief and confidence that we can all accomplish anything, and it led us to win a National Championship. She represents UNC and college sports in the best of ways and no one is more deserving of this honor. We couldn’t be prouder of Kate.”
The CWSA, now in its 49th year, continues to honor the nation’s top NCAA women athletes for their exceptional athletic achievements, leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to community service. Since the inception of its partnership in 1986, Honda has contributed over $3.4 million in institutional grants to support women’s athletics programs at the universities of award winners and nominees.
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/.