Redshirt junior basketball player Yvonne Lee (Catawba College), redshirt junior swimmer Alyssa Schiller (San Diego State University), and senior soccer standout Katie Senn (San Diego State University have been named finalists for the prestigious 2026 Honda Inspiration Award, as announced by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA), presented by Honda.

The Honda Inspiration Award recognizes a collegiate female student-athlete who has overcome significant physical or emotional adversity to return to athletic success. One of the most compelling honors in collegiate athletics, it has been awarded annually for the past 38 years across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III.

The announcement comes during a landmark moment for the organization, as the CWSA celebrates its 50th anniversary during the 2025-26 collegiate athletics season. The Honda Inspiration Award winner will be selected by the CWSA Board of Directors and announced in July. Her story will be celebrated alongside the full Class of 2026 during a live telecast of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards presented by Honda on CBS Sports Network, airing Monday, July 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET from New York City.

Before the awards show, CBS Sports Network will debut a special feature, “Defying the Odds: The 2026 Honda Inspiration Award”, on Monday, July 20^th, at 7:00 PM ET/10:00 PM PT, highlighting the journeys of all three finalists. The program will re-air throughout July.

“This year’s 20 nominees exemplify the very best of perseverance and resilience, resulting in an extremely difficult selection process,” said Amy Wilson, CWSA Executive Board Member and Chair of the Honda Inspiration Award Committee. “The three finalists distinguish themselves by demonstrating unwavering courage and resolve through immense health challenges and tremendous adversity."

The 2026 Honda Inspiration Award finalists have each navigated extraordinary obstacles and returned to competition with exceptional determination, inspiring teammates, coaches, and communities along the way. Here are their inspiring stories:

Yvonne Lee, Redshirt Junior, Catawba College, Basketball

Lee’s collegiate journey was marked by extraordinary challenges, beginning with a serious car accident on move-in day in the fall of 2023. Shortly thereafter, persistent knee pain and swelling led to a diagnosis of tibial osteosarcoma. Lee endured nine months of chemotherapy, a total knee replacement, and additional immunotherapy before being declared cancer-free in August 2024. Despite being told she would never play again, she persevered through an extensive rehabilitation and, after more than 1,000 days away from competition, returned to the court in January 2026 and played in multiple games, including on Senior Day.

Alyssa Schiller, Redshirt Junior, San Diego State University, Swimming & Diving

After nearly three years of debilitating symptoms, including severe shaking, nausea, dizziness, and temporary vision loss, while continuing to compete, Schiller was ultimately diagnosed with Lyme disease and Bartonella. Her difficult health journey through treatment and recovery was compounded by the devastating news of her father’s terminal cancer diagnosis. A former conference champion swimmer, Schiller made an inspiring return to the pool in 2025-26, posting Top 10 marks in San Diego State history in both individual and relay events.

Katie Senn, Senior, San Diego State University, Soccer

Senn overcame and played through severe scoliosis that culminated in an eight-hour spinal fusion surgery involving two rods and 24 screws. Following significant complications, including an extended stay in the ICU and a lengthy rehabilitation, she redshirted her junior season. Senn returned in 2025 for a breakout senior campaign, earning All-Mountain West honors, leading the conference in assists, and scoring a game-winning goal against a nationally ranked opponent.

“It is with great respect that we announce the finalists for the Honda Inspiration Award,” said Voelz. “The committee dedicated tremendous care and effort to reviewing an outstanding group of nominations, each representing remarkable stories of perseverance, resilience and determination in overcoming significant medical challenges and returning to competition.

While every nominee demonstrated extraordinary strength and inspiration, three women ultimately distinguished themselves and emerged as this year’s finalists for the Class of 2026. As we recognize these exceptional student-athletes, I also want to extend sincere appreciation to the CWSA Inspiration Committee, chaired by Amy Wilson, as well as our broadcast partners at CBS Sports Network for their continued commitment to sharing these powerful stories year after year.”

Celebrating its 50th year, the CWSA continues to honor the nation’s top female collegiate athletes for excellence in athletics, leadership, academics, and community service. Since partnering with Honda in 1986, the program has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants, strengthening and advancing women’s athletics programs nationwide.

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/.