Rodriguez Named Finalist for Honda Sport Award for Volleyball

Lexi Rodriguez from the University of Nebraska, Olivia Babcock from the University of Pittsburgh, Brooklyn DeLeye from the University of Kentucky and Sarah Franklin of the University of Wisconsin are the four finalists for the Class of 2025 Honda Sport Award for Volleyball as announced by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) on Jan. 6.

 

The Honda Sport Award has been presented annually by the CWSA for the past 49 years, recognizing the top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports and symbolizing “the best of the best in collegiate athletics.” The recipient of the sport award will become a finalist for the prestigious Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the 2025 Honda Cup, which will be presented during the live broadcast of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards Presented by Honda on CBS Sports Network in June.

 

The volleyball finalists were selected by a panel of experts and coaches from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). The Honda Sport award winner for volleyball will be announced after voting by administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools. Each NCAA member institution has a vote.  

 

Rodriguez finished her Husker career in December as a four-time AVCA All-American, a four-time All-Big Ten selection, and a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. She was an AVCA National Player of the Year finalist in 2024 and became the first-ever libero to be named AVCA Region Player of the Year. Rodriguez is Nebraska's all-time career leader in digs with 1,897. She is also a two-time Academic All-American seeking to add a third honor on January 14 when Academic All-America teams are announced. 

 

The CWSA, now in its 49th year, celebrates the nation’s top NCAA women athletes for their excellence in athletics, leadership, academics, and community service. Since its partnership began in 1986, Honda has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants to the universities of award winners and nominees, supporting the growth and success of women’s athletics programs.