Emma Sweitzer, a junior forward from Misericordia University, was named the DIII Honda Athlete of the Year finalist for soccer as announced today by Executive Director Chris Voelz of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

Sweitzer is now designated one of 11 finalists for the prestigious DIII Honda Athlete of the Year. This will be voted on at the end of the academic year by national balloting among 1,000 NCAA member schools as part of THE CWSA program, now in its 47th year.

“It is an honor to be selected as a finalist for this award, along with many other great athletes,” said Sweitzer. “Honda awards not only focus on athletic abilities, but also academic and community efforts. I would not be in this position without the constant support from my teammates, family, and community. The recognition I receive drives me to continue inspiring young athletes in my area.”

Sweitzer, hailing from Dallas, Pa., was most recently named the United Soccer Coaches DIII Player of the Year and is a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American.

The forward led the Cougars in scoring and set new school records with 64 points and 24 goals. Her 16 assists are the second-highest single-season total in school history.

On the season, she recorded at least one point in 16 games and had a 12-game points-scoring streak and eight multi-goal games, including a pair of hat tricks. Sweitzer was second in the country in points and was third in assists.

She helped her team to the number one ranking for the second straight season and finished with a 21-1-1 record advancing to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championship.

“Emma is a brilliant young lady who exemplifies what a division III student-athlete should be,” head coach Mark Stauffer said. “Her talent on the field is just a small piece of what she brings to our Misericordia Community.  We are so proud to have a person and player like her to represent our women’s soccer program.”

All Honda Sports nominees from DIII and DII 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 in June, 2023, in downtown Los Angeles. The Honda Award finalists are recognized in 11 DIII and DII 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.  

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/.