The Honda Cup, awarded annually to the top female college athlete, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a ceremony in New York. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The event reunited past winners, including UCLA basketball great Ann Meyers Drysdale (1978 winner) and four-time Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Meyers Drysdale reflected on the award's significance.
"When you're a young college athlete, you don't understand the importance of it," said Meyers Drysdale. "There's so many basketball players, which is exciting. But just the great athletes from all the different sports, I think that's what I'm appreciative of the Honda Awards, that they recognize so many athletes from so many different sports."
The Honda Cup selects an overall Athlete of the Year from individual sport winners, honoring leadership, academics, and community service in addition to athletic performance.
"It's great that it honors more than just what is done on the court or field," said Jen Rizzotti, the 1996 winner from UConn. "They make sure that they're well-rounded and have a balanced portfolio. They give back in the community, they're great in the classroom."
Delta State basketball great Lusia Harris won the first Honda Cup in 1977. UCLA's Lauren Betts became the 20th basketball player to win the top award in 2026, more than any other sport.
"To receive an honor like this — the highest award you could possibly receive — is pretty unbelievable," Betts said.