Sophia Verkleeren, a sophomore from Williams College, was named the DIII Honda Athlete of the Year finalist for Swimming & Diving as announced today by Executive Director Chris Voelz of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

Verkleeren 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 47th year.

“I am honored to represent Williams College as a DIII Honda Athlete of the Year finalist,” said Verkleeren.

Verkleeren was named the 2023 NCAA Division III Championship Swimmer of the Meet after earning two national titles and most recently was named the 2023 College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) DIII Swimmer of the Year.

Verkleeren’s two national titles in 2023 came in the 200 IM and the 200 back. She also earned third place in the 400 IM and posted a number of standout relay performances. Her first national title marked the 23^rd straight year that the Ephs have produced a national champion.

Earlier in the season, she was named the NESCAC Swimmer of the Meet after winning three individual events (200 IM, 400 IM, 200 back). She set a NESCAC meet record in the 200 IM and she was a part of two winning relay teams (200 medley, 400 medley).

The sophomore from Horseheads, N.Y., was recently named to the CSC Academic All-District Team.

“There are so many great aspects to Sophia,” head coach Steve Kuster said. “She has an outstanding attitude and approach, loves her team and teammates and works harder than most anyone in the pool.  She's exceptionally versatile, we can plug her in pretty much anywhere needed and she'll do it with a smile. On top of all that, she is an exceptional person and a joy to coach.”

All Honda Sports nominees from DIII and DII become a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Honda Athlete of the Year in their respective divisions, presented in a live telecast on CBS Sports Network in June, 2023, in downtown Los Angeles. The Honda Award finalists 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 CWSA, entering its 47th year, has honored the nation’s top NCAA women athletes for their superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service.  Since commencing its partnership in 1986, Honda has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants to the universities of the award winners and nominees to support women’s athletics programs.  

About Honda Corporate Social Responsibility

For more than 60 years in the U.S., Honda has been committed to making positive contributions to the communities where its associates live and work. Honda’s mission is to create products and services that improve the lives of people while conducting its business in a sustainable manner and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Accordingly, Honda believes in helping people reach their life’s potential through its focus on the areas of education, the environment, mobility, traffic safety and community. Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/.