SAN DIEGO -- San Diego State redshirt junior swimmer Alyssa Schiller and senior soccer player Katie Senn are two of three finalists for the prestigious 2026 Honda Inspiration Award, The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) announced on Friday.
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.
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 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.
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, leading the Aztecs in both points (12) and assists (8). Senn’s eight assists also were the most in the Mountain West as she ended up earning second-team all-league accolades.
Catawba basketball player Yvonne Lee is the other finalist.
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 at 7 p.m. ET in New York.
Before the awards show, CBS Sports Network will debut a special feature, “Defying the Odds: The 2026 Honda Inspiration Award”, on Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. 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 navigated extraordinary obstacles and returned to competition with exceptional determination, inspiring teammates, coaches, and communities along the way. Here are their inspiring stories:
“It is with great respect that we announce the finalists for the Honda Inspiration Award,” said Chris Voelz, Executive Director of the CWSA. “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/.
Two Aztecs Named Finalists for Class of 2026 Honda Inspiration Award
Swimmer Alyssa Schiller and women’s soccer player Katie Senn are two of the three finalists for prestigious award which recognizes a collegiate female student-athlete who has overcome significant physical or emotional adversity to return to athletic success.
