Maria Hoyos, a a graduate student from Lynn University, was named the DII Honda Athlete of the Year finalist for golf as announced today by Executive Director Chris Voelz of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

Hoyos is now designated one of 11 finalists for the prestigious DII 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’s an honor and privilege to be designated as a finalist for the DII Honda Athlete of the Year”, said Hoyos. “I’m thrilled to be nominated along such talented and exceptional female athletes. This recognition is the result of hard work, dedication and resilience. I’m extremely grateful for everyone at Lynn University that has helped me to excel and perform at the highest level, it’s been a great journey and this recognition is also for them.”

Hailing from Pereira, Colombia, Hoyos was named the PING Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) DII Player of the Year and earned WGCA First Team All-America status. Additionally, she was selected to the WGCA All-South Region First Team, named the 2023 SSC Golfer of the Year and earned First Team All-SSC honors.

Hoyos ranked as high as No. 1 in GolfStat at the end of the regular season and finished the year ranked first overall with an adjusted scoring average of 72.20. She posted five tournament wins this season and finished fifth nationally with an 816-6 comparative record according to GolfStat. 

“Maria had an outstanding season and her achievements and success are a byproduct of her hard work and dedication,” stated head coach Keith Larson. “She set the benchmark and was an influential leader to her teammates both on and off the golf course. For Maria to be honored as a Collegiate Women's Sports Awards Athlete of the Year nominee is well deserved and fitting for her incredible year. I couldn't be happier or prouder of her!”

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.  

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/.