Women's sports are thriving today, thanks to the pioneers who paved the way. The Collegiate Women Sports Awards presented by Honda will celebrate these trailblazers on Monday night, including notable finalists like Lauren Betts from UCLA, Torri Huske from Stanford, and Jordynn Dudley from Florida State.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the awards, making it a historic occasion with legends like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Ann Meyers, and Misty Franklin in attendance. The Honda Sport Award honors excellence in athletics, scholarship, and community service across 12 NCAA-sanctioned women's sports.

Key Award Winners Who Changed Women's Sports:

• Cheryl Miller (1984, USC, Basketball): Led USC to two NCAA championships and won Olympic Gold in 1984, elevating women's basketball to new heights.
• Jackie Joyner-Kersee (1985, UCLA, Track and Field): A legendary heptathlete with multiple Olympic medals, she remains a world record holder.
• Dawn Staley (1991, Virginia, Basketball): A standout player and now a successful coach, she has transformed the South Carolina Gamecocks into a powerhouse.
• Lisa Fernandez (1993, UCLA, Softball): A pioneer in softball, she won multiple gold medals with Team USA and is now a coach.
• Mia Hamm (1994, North Carolina, Soccer): A crucial figure in women's soccer, she led the USWNT to numerous victories and inspired future generations.
• Misty May-Treanor (1999, Long Beach State, Volleyball): Known for her perfect NCAA season and Olympic success in beach volleyball.
• Maya Moore (2010, 2011, UConn, Basketball): Redefined women's basketball with undefeated championships and a focus on social justice.
• Katie Ledecky (2017, Stanford, Swimming): Dominated international swimming, holding multiple world records and Olympic titles.
• Caitlin Clark (2023, 2024, Iowa, Basketball): Became an NCAA sensation and the first overall draft pick in 2024, breaking numerous records in her WNBA career.

These athletes not only excelled in their sports but also significantly impacted the landscape of women's athletics.