UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – Cheyenne Williamson continues her fantastic career at Saginaw Valley State University as she was named the NCAA Division II Honda Athlete of the Year finalist for track & field by THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.
Williamson joins the other 10 finalists of the DII Honda Athlete of the Year award that will be presented as part of the CWSA program, now in its 47th year.
"Everyone has goals and dreams in life but very few people have the opportunity to pursue them to the fullest extent possible truly. The sport of Track and Field has allowed me to live out my dreams and take me to new places, experiences, and people that otherwise would not have been possible. Being nominated for such a prestigious award is a perfect example of something I never believed to be possible not even 5 years ago and I am truly honored to be considered ", stated Williamson.
The 16-time All-American has collected a plethora of accomplishments this season including being the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association NCAA DII Field Athlete of the Year and Midwest Field Athlete of the Year.
Williamson had a historical showing at the NCAA DII Outdoor Track and Field Championships as she became the first athlete to win three-straight National Championships in the Heptathlon. Her program-record final score of 5,861 was more than 300 points ahead of second place. She added a second National Title in the high jump on day two of the meet after clearing the bar at 1.77m and was an All-American in the long jump and 100m hurdles.
"Cheyenne is the image of resilience and hard work! This recognition could not happen to a better young woman. We get to see her character on display every day - in the way she treats those in support roles around her - the qualities she presents are indicative of such an award. She is committed to the complete student-athlete experience...her work in the classroom and community is just as important as competing for championships!" said SVSU head track & field coach Rod Cowan.
All Honda Sports nominees from DII and DIII become a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Honda Athlete of the Year in their respective divisions, presented in a live telecast on CBS Sports Network on June 26, 2023, at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT, in Los Angeles. The Honda Award finalists are recognized in 11 DII and DIII NCAA-sanctioned sports; cross country, basketball, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, volleyball, and track & field.
The CWSA, entering its 47th year, has honored the nation's top NCAA women athletes for their superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service. Since commencing its partnership 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.