Lindsay Cunningham, a senior from Winona State University, was named the DII Honda Athlete of the Year finalist for Cross Country as announced today by Executive Director Chris Voelz of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

Cunningham is now designated as 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 48th year.

“I am so honored to be considered amongst such an elite group of athletes for an award of this level and merit,” said Cunningham. “I would not be anywhere near where I am today if it wasn't for Coach John Hibshman and my incredible teammates. They are great all-around people and have made working hard and loving the process the heart of our program at Winona State University. I am very grateful for it all, and everyone who has been part of this success along the way.”

Cunningham, hailing from Wisconsin Dells, Wis., captured the 2023 NCAA DII National Cross Country individual title and led her team to a fifth-place finish. The win for Cunningham was her sixth in six competitions this season.

Most recently, the senior was named the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) DII Women’s Athlete of the Year. She is a two-time USTFCCCA All-American in Cross Country and was named the 2023 NSIC Outstanding Senior in women’s cross country.

Cunningham captured a NSIC-record third straight individual championship this season.

“Lindsay is an incredible athlete, a great student, and most importantly a wonder human being,” stated head coach John Hibshman. “Her confidence, competitiveness, and supportive personality elevated our team to the national level.  She is a leader and role model both on and off the field, and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her these past four years.  Lindsay has an incredible future and is very deserving of this prestigious award."

All Honda Sports nominees from DII and DIII become a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Honda Athlete of the Year in their respective divisions, presented in a live telecast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 7 PM ET, from its new home in New York City.

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 48th 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/.