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Stanford Swimmer Katie Ledecky Wins Honda Cup

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Freshman Olympian Katie Ledecky of the Stanford University Swimming & Diving team was named the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and presented with the prestigious Honda Cup during the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) show. As presenting sponsor, Honda has supported women’s athletics programs for more than 30 years. (Photo credit: Andrew Villa)

Freshman Olympian Katie of the Stanford University Swimming & Diving team has been named the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year, earning her the prestigious Honda Cup, which was presented during a live broadcast of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) show. In its capacity as a presenting sponsor, Honda has supported women’s athletics programs for over 30 years.

Ledecky was among the “Top Three” finalists from the Class of 2017 selected by voters from nearly 1,000 NCAA member schools. The triad of exceptional women athletes also included senior basketball star Kelsey Plum of the University of Washington and senior track & field sensation Kendell Williams of the University of Georgia.

Ledecky, the most decorated American female athlete at the Rio Olympic Games (four golds, one silver and two World Records), is a nine-time World Champion and two-time Olympian. The Bethesda, Maryland native’s freshman campaign was one of the most impressive in NCAA history, and ended with her racking up five national titles, the most in the nation, at the NCAA Championships.

“For over 30 years, Honda has partnered with the Collegiate Women Sports Awards to recognize and celebrate the incredible student-athletes who have persevered and powered their dreams,” said Steve Morikawa, American Honda Vice President of Corporate Relations & Social Responsibility. “These women are exemplary role models who are paving the way for the next generation of great female athletes.”

“Amid an outstanding Class of 2017 that truly represented the ‘best of the best,’ the Honda Cup winner, Katie Ledecky, once again reflects the extraordinary,” said Chris Voelz, CWSA Executive Director.

“On this 45th anniversary of Title IX it is particularly meaningful to reflect on the opportunities that young girls like Katie had on their way to being a world class female athlete on the shoulders of her mother who was one of the first beneficiaries of Title IX. Congratulations to the second freshman ever in our 41-year history! I have no doubts that Katie will be an incredible ambassador for The Collegiate Women Sports Awards and all of women’s sports!”