Tristen Maddox, a graduate student from East Texas Baptist University, was named the DIII Honda Athlete of the Year finalist for Softball for the second season in a row as announced today by Executive Director Chris Voelz of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

Maddox, the Class of 2024 DIII Honda Athlete of the Year, is now one of 11 finalists for this year’s prestigious award. 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 49th year.

“I feel blessed to have been nominated for this award two years in a row,” said Maddox. “It feels so unreal to have this much love and support from everyone along my journey. I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without my family, coaches, teammates, and the Lord guiding me and supporting me throughout every stage of my life. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and everything that ETBU has helped me with. I want to thank God for leading me to a university that has allowed me to grow in every different aspect of my life.”

Maddox, a standout shortstop from Mission, Texas, has once again been named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Player of the Year, adding to an already historic career. A three-time American Southwest Conference (ASC) Player of the Year and NFCA First Team All-American, she is also a five-time First Team All-ASC selection.

Maddox holds numerous program records, including games played, at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, RBIs, and hit-by-pitches, and ranks second in career stolen bases and home runs. Her 2024 season was one for the record books, setting single-season program highs in runs scored, doubles, RBIs, and home runs. She led the ASC in nearly every major offensive category this year, including at-bats (160), runs (57), doubles (19), home runs (16), RBIs (55), and slugging percentage (.844).

“What an incredible honor it is for Tristen to be named a Division III Honda Athlete of the Year finalist for softball again this season,” stated head coach Janae’ Shirley. “She has truly been a transformational player for our program here at East Texas Baptist University. Her talent speaks for itself, but it’s her character, work ethic, and selflessness as a teammate that set her apart. Coaching her has been such a joy, and it’s been so rewarding to watch her grow both as an athlete and as a person throughout her career.  She has truly left our program better than she found it and we are so proud to have had her in our program.”

All Honda Sport Award finalists from DIII and DII will vie for the prestigious 2025 Honda Athlete of the Year award in their respective divisions, presented on a live telecast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 7 PM ET, from its new home in New York City.

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 49th 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 and the Honda USA Foundation 

For more than 65 years in the U.S., Honda has been committed to making positive contributions to the communities where its associates live and work. The company’s mission is to create products and services that help people fulfill their life’s potential, while conducting business in a sustainable manner and fostering an inclusive workplace. Advancing its corporate social responsibility, Honda and the Honda USA Foundation support this direction through giving focused on education, the environment, mobility, traffic safety, and community.  

Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/.