Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico, a sophomore from Emory University, was named the DIII Honda Athlete of the Year finalist for tennis as announced by Executive Director Chris Voelz of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

Gonzalez-Rico is now designated one of 11 finalists for the prestigious DIII Honda Athlete of the Year. This will be voted on at the end of the academic year by national balloting among 1,000 NCAA member schools as part of THE CWSA program, now in its 43rd year.

“Being named the tennis representative for the DIII Honda Athlete of the Year is truly an honor!”, exclaimed Gonzalez-Rico. “I am grateful for this nomination and the opportunity to represent Emory University and DIII tennis. This is only possible thanks to my teammates and my coaches who help me and challenge me every day. I am very thankful and I cannot wait for next season. Vamos Eagles!”

Gonzalez-Rico closed out her sophomore season in grand style as she captured the 2019 NCAA DIII Championship singles title with a straight set 6-4, 6-3 decision. The top-seed in the tournament, she won four of her five matches during her singles run in straight sets en route to the title and was a combined 7-0 in singles over the course of the week.

Hailing from Pinecrest, Fla., Gonzalez-Rico closes out her tremendous sophomore campaign with a 34-5 overall record, tying for the program's single-season record for victories. She went 22-1 during the spring slate including a perfect 19-0 record against Division III competition and dropped just six sets total through the entirety of the spring season.

“Ysabel is well deserving of this tremendous honor as she is a great representation of our team and our sport,” stated head coach Amy Bryant. “She is an incredible competitor who is able to concentrate on every point and has the ability to play different styles to win against any opponent she faces. Her drive and focus is extraordinary and her excellence as a teammate and commitment in getting the best out of everyone has elevated our entire program to new heights.”

All Honda Sports nominees from DIII and DII become a finalist for the prestigious 2019 Honda Athlete of the Year in their respective divisions, presented in a live telecast on CBS Sports on June 24, 2019, in downtown Los Angeles. The Honda Sports nominees are recognized in 11 DIII and DII NCAA-sanctioned sports; cross country, basketball, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, volleyball, and track & field.

THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards has honored the nation’s top NCAA women athletes for 43 years, recognizing superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service.   Since commencing its sponsorship in 1986, Honda has provided more than $3.3 million in institutional grants to the universities of the award winners and nominees to support women’s athletics programs at the institutions.

About Honda

Honda seeks to be a company that society wants to exist, creating products and technologies that improve the lives of people while minimizing the environmental impacts of its products and business operations to ensure a sustainable future.

Honda also is committed to making positive contributions to the communities where it does business, conducting socially responsible business practices and promoting diversity in its workforce. From Honda’s involvement in STEM education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to its support of pediatric brain tumor research and volunteer efforts by Honda associates, including environmental clean-up activities, Honda believes in giving back to the communities where its associates live and work.

Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/