Celebrating 50 Years of Womanhood in Sports: UCLA’s Tribute to Women Athletes

On February 14, 2024, UCLA Athletics will honor its remarkable legacy in women’s sports with a special celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA). This exciting event, which underscores UCLA’s deep commitment to supporting female athletes, is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and triumphs of Bruins over the decades.

A Legacy of Achievement

UCLA stands proud as the institution with the most Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year (Honda Cup) awards, boasting an impressive six honors. Furthermore, it ranks second nationally with 34 total Honda Sport Awards—a remarkable feat that highlights the performance and prowess of UCLA female athletes across various disciplines. This rich history of accolades brings together a community celebrating female empowerment in athletics.

Bruin Bash: An Engaging Kickoff

The day will begin with a vibrant Bruin Bash, hosted by UCLA Alumni Affairs and UCLA Athletics. Set in the illustrious Athletic Hall of Fame within the J.D. Morgan Center, this pre-event will run from 1 PM to 3 PM. Attendees will be treated to heavy appetizers while engaging in a fireside chat featuring UCLA Track and Field legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee. The conversation will be facilitated by Joanna Hayes, an Olympic gold medalist and the current Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at UCLA. This intimate setup will provide insights into the journeys of these trailblazing women and their impact on sports.

Tickets for the Bruin Bash can be purchased here.

A Gymnastic Showcase and Honoring Excellence

Following the Bruin Bash, the festivities will shift to Pauley Pavilion for a gymnastics match featuring UCLA against Michigan, commencing at 4 PM. This event is not only a showcase of athletic talent but also an occasion to honor the CWSA winners who will be recognized on the floor after the first rotation. This unique combination of athletic competition and celebratory recognition creates an exciting atmosphere for all attendees.

Tickets for the gymnastics meet are available here.

Nurturing Female Talent: The Birth of CWSA

The Collegiate Women Sports Awards, founded in 1976 by former UCLA Director of Women’s Athletics Judith Holland, annually celebrates the outstanding achievements of female athletes at NCAA-member colleges. Among the prestigious honors awarded are the Honda Sports Award, recognizing the top female athlete across 12 sports, and the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year award, which identifies the top overall female athlete nationally. This initiative has significantly contributed to raising the profile of women’s sports and fostering a supportive environment for female athletes.

A Look at UCLA’s Notable Award Winners

UCLA has produced a remarkable roster of athletes who have received the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year (Honda Cup) award. Notable winners include:

• Ann Meyers in Basketball (1978)
• Jackie Joyner in Track & Field (1985)
• Lisa Fernandez in Softball (1993)
• Natasha Watley in Softball (2003)
• Rachel Garcia in Softball (2019, 2021)

These athletes have not only excelled in their sports but have also set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire future generations of women in athletics.

UCLA’s Numerous Honda Sport Awards Winners

In addition to the Honda Cup, UCLA boasts a trove of Honda Sport Award winners, representing a variety of sports:

• Basketball: Ann Meyers (1978)
• Gymnastics: A distinguished list including Sharon Shapiro (1981), Mohini Bhardwaj (2001), and Christine Peng-Peng Lee (2018)
• Soccer: Abby Dahlkemper (2014), Sam Mewis (2015), Lilly Reale (2023)
• Softball: With legends like Debbie Doom (1984) and Rachel Garcia (2018, 2019, 2021)
• Tennis: Including Jeanne Duvall (1978) and Robin Anderson (2014, 2015)
• Track & Field: Featuring the likes of Evelyn Ashford (1977) and Monique Henderson (2005)
• Volleyball: Celebrated athletes such as Liz Masakayan (1985) and Natalie Williams (1992, 1993)

Each of these women has excelled in their respective fields, showcasing the talent that UCLA continually nurtures.

A Celebration of Progress

The 50th anniversary celebration of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards is not just a recognition of past accomplishments; it’s a tribute to the progress made in women’s athletics and a clarion call to continue championing female athletes. As UCLA prepares to host this momentous event, it serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience demonstrated by women in sports and the importance of community support in fostering future successes.