Cal Poly Pomona senior Tara Oper has been named a finalist for the DII Honda Athlete of the Year for Soccer, as announced today by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

Oper is among 11 elite finalists for this prestigious award, which recognizes the top NCAA Division II athletes across various sports. The winner will be determined through national balloting by representatives from over 1,000 NCAA member schools and announced at the end of the academic year as part of the CWSA program, now in its 49th year.

“I am extremely grateful to be a finalist for this award!” stated Oper. “Being selected for another major award is rewarding knowing that all the hard work I’ve put in is paying off. I couldn’t be in the position where I am without my amazing teammates and coaching staff who pushed me to become better every single day both on and off the field.”

“Being able to end my college career as a national champion is the picture-perfect ending and no one can really say they ended off their college career as a National Champion! I am so extremely thankful to be a part of such an amazing program and to be part of the progress and the history that the women's soccer program has made since I first transferred in. That has been one of the most reward parts - leaving an impact on this program and inspiring others to do the same. Being a part of this program has been one of my favorite parts of my soccer career so far and wouldn't want to end my college career at any other place!”

Oper, a standout forward from Riverside, Calif., capped off an impressive season by earning the United Soccer Coaches DII National Player of the Year honor while leading her team to its first-ever NCAA Division II National Championship title. The senior earned multiple accolades, including selections to the United Soccer Coaches First Team All-America, D2CCA Third Team All-America, D2CCA All-West Region First Team, and United Soccer Coaches All-West Region First Team. A consistent performer throughout her career, she is also a two-time All-CCAA First Team honoree.

Oper delivered a standout season with eight goals and 11 assists, highlighted by the decisive game-winning goal that led to a historic victory over the nation’s top-ranked team—the Broncos’ first-ever win against a No. 1 opponent—and the opening goal in their 2-1 triumph to secure the national championship title.

Off the field, Oper excelled academically as well, earning spots on the CCAA Academic Honor Roll twice and being named a CSC Academic All-District honoree.

“Tara’s work ethic, commitment, and drive to improve herself and others is second to none,” stated head coach Jay Mason. “She sets a championship example everyday as a team leader and was a key component to our team’s belief that we could capture our first NCAA National Championship. Her selfless leadership fostered a team culture that demanded competitive stamina day in a day out, allowing our team to grow together in hard moments while maintaining a healthy mindset firmly rooted in humility.  She is relentless!”

All finalists for the DII and DIII Honda Athlete of the Year will be honored during a live telecast on CBS Sports Network in June in New York City.

The Honda Sport Award recognizes student-athletes in 11 NCAA-sanctioned sports, including cross country, basketball, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, volleyball, and track & field.

Now in its 49th year, the CWSA honors the nation’s top female collegiate athletes for their exceptional athletic performance, leadership, academic achievements, and community service. Since partnering with Honda in 1986, the program has awarded over $3.4 million in institutional grants to support women’s athletics at universities across the country.

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/.