Published On: Thu, Jun 8th, 2023

Hoyos named Honda DII Athlete of the Year finalist

Lynn University graduate student Maria Hoyos has been named a finalist for the Honda DII Athlete of the Year for women’s golf as announced by Executive Director Chris Voelz of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA).

Hoyos is one of 11 finalists for the prestigious Honda Athlete of the Year honor and voting will commence 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.

Hoyos, a native of Pereira, Colombia, was named the PING Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) DII Player of the Year and earned WGCA First Team All-America honors. Hoyos was a WGCA All-South Region first-team honoree, was named the 2023 Sunshine State Conference Golfer of the Year and earned First Team All-SSC honors.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be designated as a finalist for the DII Honda Athlete of the Year,” said Hoyos. “I’m thrilled to be nominated along such talented and exceptional female athletes. This recognition is the result of hard work, dedication and resilience. I’m extremely grateful for everyone at Lynn University that has helped me to excel and perform at the highest level. It’s been a great journey and this recognition is also for them.”

Hoyos closed the 2023 season ranked No. 1 in the country in adjusted scoring average (72.20) according to GolfStat and she is tied for fifth nationally in comparative record (816-6). She won five tournaments and finished in the top-five in nine of 13 tournaments in 2022-23.

“Maria had an outstanding season and her achievements and success are a byproduct of her hard work and dedication,” said Lynn head coach Keith Larson. “She set the benchmark and was an influential leader to her teammates both on and off the golf course. For Maria to be honored as a Collegiate Women’s Sports Awards Athlete of the Year nominee is well deserved and fitting for her incredible year. I couldn’t be happier or prouder of her!”

The Fighting Knights capped the year as the NCAA South Region and SSC Tournament Champions, closing as NCAA National semifinalists. Lynn won nine of its 13 tournaments, including four-straight heading into the NCAA Championship.

All Honda Sports nominees from DII and DIII 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 on June 26, 2023, at 8:30 pm ET/5:30 pm PT, in Los Angeles. The Honda Award finalists are recognized in 11 DII and DIII 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.

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