Mya Ray, a senior from the University of La Verne, has been named a finalist in volleyball for the DIII Honda Athlete of the Year, as announced today by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

The announcement comes during a landmark moment for the organization, as the CWSA celebrates its 50th anniversary during the 2025–26 collegiate athletics season. Ray is now among 11 elite finalists for this prestigious award, which recognizes the top NCAA Division III athletes across various sports. The DIII Honda Athlete of the Year will be selected by senior women administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools and will be honored during a live broadcast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, July 27th, at 7:00 pm ET, in New York City.

“I am truly honored to be a finalist for the Division III Honda Athlete of the Year,” stated Ray. “This recognition means so much to me. Competing for La Verne Volleyball has been an unforgettable experience that shaped me both personally and professionally. My teammates, coaches, faculty, and the entire Leo Nation community have guided my growth and taught me discipline, perseverance, and purpose. Coach Jeff Hendershot has built a culture that has given me lifelong friendships and memories I will always cherish. Thank you to God, my parents, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me. I am incredibly grateful for this honor and proud to be a Leo for Life.”

Ray, a senior outside hitter from Pomona, Calif., closes her career as one of the most decorated athletes in La Verne history. A four-time All-American, the first in program history, Ray also became La Verne’s first-ever three-time First-Team All-American. She shattered the program record for career kills with 2,002, eclipsing the previous mark of 1,487.

Ray’s 2025 campaign was also among the best in the nation as she led La Verne to its fifth NCAA title match, finishing runner-up. She led all of Division III with 550 kills, 645 points, and 5.81 points per set, while ranking third nationally with 4.95 kills per set. Her dominance earned her two selections as AVCA Division III National Player of the Week and back-to-back honors as the AVCA Region 10 Player of the Year in 2024 and 2025. She is also a four-time AVCA All-Region First Team selection and was recognized as the Region 10 Freshman of the Year in 2022.

Within the SCIAC, Ray made history as the program’s first four-time First-Team All-SCIAC honoree, adding SCIAC Offensive Athlete of the Year awards in 2023 and 2025.

“Mya Ray is one of the best athletes and kids I’ve ever coached,” stated head coach Jeff Hendershot. “During her time at La Verne she’s rewritten the record book in almost every single category and done it with a humble spirit and a smile every single day. Mya from day one was a special athlete, but what’s most impressive is how much she has grown and developed from being a great athlete to a phenomenal volleyball player. She truly is a generational talent and we’re so fortunate to have had her here at La Verne.”

Now in 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/.