Madison Taylor, a senior from Northwestern University, has been named the Honda Sport Award winner for Lacrosse for the Class of 2026, 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. For five decades, the Honda Sport Award has honored the nation’s top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports, symbolizing “the best of the best in collegiate athletics.” Taylor is now a finalist for the prestigious Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and Class of 2026 Honda Cup, to be presented live on Monday, July 27, at 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.

Taylor was selected via a nationwide vote of administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools. The other finalists for this year’s award were Brigid Duffy (Army), Chloe Humphrey (UNC), and Reagan O’Brien (Johns Hopkins).

“I could not be more honored and humbled to receive the Honda Sport Award and to be recognized among so many talented student-athletes,” said Taylor. “I’m so lucky to have the best coaches, teammates, and family by my side throughout my lacrosse career. Go ’Cats!”

Taylor, a senior attacker from Wantagh, N.Y., capped a remarkable collegiate career by capturing the 2026 Tewaaraton Award, recognizing the nation’s top women’s lacrosse player. A three-time Honda Award finalist, three-time IWLCA First Team All-American and two-time USA Lacrosse First Team All-American, Taylor was also named Big Ten Attacker of the Year for the second time in her career after another dominant season for Northwestern.

Taylor played a pivotal role in leading the Wildcats to their ninth NCAA national championship and her second career title, recording a game-high six assists in the national championship game. She finished the season ranked second nationally with 97 goals and 139 points and became the only player in the country to record at least 100 points and 50 draw controls during the 2026 campaign.

One of the most accomplished players in NCAA lacrosse history, Taylor concluded her career with 483 points, tying the Northwestern program record. She shares the NCAA single-season record with 109 goals, set in 2025, and is the only player in NCAA history to compile more than 450 career points and 200 draw controls. Taylor also holds the NCAA Tournament career record with 91 points and was a three-time Tewaaraton finalist. Off the field, she earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and was selected to the U.S. National Team.

“Maddy is a special leader, athlete, and teammate,” stated head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller. “Winning the Honda Sport Award is an incredible honor and a testament to her competitive excellence, leadership, and relentless work ethic. She consistently elevates everyone around her, and this recognition is a reflection of the tremendous impact she has had on our program and throughout the season.”

As the CWSA marks its 50th anniversary, the organization continues its longstanding mission to honor excellence in athletics, leadership, academics, and community service. Since 1986, Honda has contributed more than $3.4 million in institutional grants to support 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/.