The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) announced today that Chris Voelz, its Executive Director since 2012, will retire on September 1, 2026, concluding a distinguished 14-year tenure defined by transformational growth, expanded national visibility, and a strengthened sense of community across women’s collegiate athletics.

“Chris Voelz leaves a lasting legacy of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the entire CWSA community of honorees, corporate and media partners, board members, and intercollegiate athletics during her tenure as Executive Director,” said Patty Viverito, CWSA Board Chair, and Jean Lenti Ponsetto, past Board Chair, in a joint statement. “We are incredibly proud of the vision Chris charted for the organization and the strategic plans she implemented, which led to unprecedented growth in honoring the ‘best of the best’ of women student athletes, many of whom, in addition to representing their institutions, have gone on to outstanding careers as professionals and World-class Olympic athletes. Most impressive are the enduring relationships Chris forged, laying a foundation that will allow CWSA to honor future generations of student-athletes. As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary in July 2026, many of our alumnae honorees will be in attendance because of Chris’s leadership. On behalf of the CWSA Board, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve under her leadership for the past 14 years. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and appreciation for her innumerable contributions in support of the CWSA, and we wish her the very best in her retirement and the many adventures ahead.”

Under Voelz’s leadership, the CWSA entered a period of strategic growth and modernization that enhanced both its national profile and long-term sustainability. A cornerstone of this progress was securing the organization’s first multi-year agreement with Honda at an increased investment level, providing critical resources to expand programming, enhanced staffing, and deepened engagement with student-athletes, alumnae, and partners.

One of the defining achievements of Voelz’s tenure was the establishment of a multi-year broadcast agreement with CBS Sports, resulting in a live, hour-long national television broadcast of the CWSA celebration. This landmark partnership dramatically expanded the visibility and reach of women’s collegiate athletics while strengthening the organization’s national footprint. It also complemented a network of enduring partnerships with organizations including the Women’s Sports Foundation, Women Leaders in College Sports, and WeCOACH, further advancing advocacy, leadership development, and community across women’s sports.

Voelz also elevated the CWSA’s signature annual celebration, creating the two-day event leading into the live broadcast into an immersive and meaningful experience. Enhancements included the addition of a professional emcee, expanded alumnae programming, and curated opportunities designed to honor and connect each class of award recipients, reinforcing the prestige and sense of belonging associated with the CWSA “sisterhood”.

That vision was especially evident during the organization’s 40th anniversary, which reconnected past honorees, welcoming back 26 past Honda Cup winners and highlighting the enduring strength of the CWSA. Building on that momentum, Voelz is now spearheading efforts for the organization’s 50th anniversary in July 2026, with the goal of convening the largest gathering of elite female collegiate athletes in CWSA history, a capstone celebration of excellence, leadership, and legacy.

Throughout her tenure, Voelz significantly expanded the CWSA’s reach and influence by deepening engagement with conference and institutional Senior Woman Administrators and launching a Conference Campaign that increased partnerships and investment in women’s sports.

Beyond her work at the CWSA, Voelz is a nationally recognized leader in collegiate athletics and gender equity. Her career includes service as Director of Athletics at the University of Minnesota, President of NACWAA, member of the NCAA Gender Equity Task Force, and longtime ambassador for Billie Jean King’s Women’s Sports Foundation. Her alma mater, Illinois State University, named her an Alumni Achievement Award recipient in 2023. She has also been honored with numerous accolades, including induction into three Halls of Fame and receipt of the NACWAA Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Serving as Executive Director of the CWSA for the past 14 years has been a true honor, and one for which I am deeply grateful,” stated Voelz. “Leading this organization, continuing my five-decade journey advocating for women in sport, and getting to know 50 years of the nation’s greatest collegiate female athletes has been a joy. I am thankful for the outstanding professionals who serve on our board, our dedicated corporate and media partners, and the incredible CWSA team. This experience has been a singular delight and the perfect capstone to my professional career. I will always be rooting for the CWSA and am confident that the program’s next half-century will thrive under its next executive director, continuing to stand as a shining example of ‘the best of the best’ in intercollegiate athletics. Onward!”

Additional initiatives under Voelz’s leadership included:

• Establishing a guest alumnae rotation, welcoming 19 past Honda Cup winners since its inception
• Elevated the brand by moving the awards program in 2024 to a permanent home in NYC.
• Expanding on-campus presentations with enhanced photo assets, PSAs, and scripts
• Led a significant expansion of CWSA’s digital presence through strategic staffing, driving year-over-year growth and surpassing one million social media impressions in 2023
• Launching influencer campaigns featuring iconic leaders such as Billie Jean King, Julie Foudy, and Jessica Mendoza
• Elevating sport award winners across ESPN platforms and all five Power Five conference networks
• Recruiting and diversifying a nationally respected Board of Directors
• Strengthening financial stability through reserve funds and long-term investments
• Building and sustaining a talented internal team, including dedicated public relations, social media, and event leadership

Voelz will continue in her role through September 1, 2026, and then serve as an advisor to support a thoughtful leadership transition and ensure continued momentum for the organization. The PICTOR Group will be conducting the search for the next CWSA Executive Director.