A new chapter in Virginia sports history unfolded as Cavaliers swimmer Gretchen Walsh was named the 2025 Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and earned the prestigious Honda Cup.
Walsh’s achievement not only highlights her dominance in the pool but also ends a 34-year stretch in which basketball legend Dawn Staley stood as the university’s only recipient of this honor. This milestone reflects the evolving landscape of women’s college sports and the growing impact of the Virginia Cavaliers on the national stage.
Olympic Swimmer Gretchen Walsh Breaks Through with Historic Honda Cup Win
Virginia Cavalier swimmer Gretchen Walsh’s Honda Cup victory, announced during the 49th anniversary broadcast of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards, marked a significant moment for Virginia. She became only the second Cavalier to receive the award, joining Staley, who won in 1991.
The Honda Cup is considered the highest honor in women’s collegiate athletics. It recognizes the top female athlete in all NCAA sports each year.
By winning the Honda Cup, Walsh joined an exclusive group of just nine swimmers to ever receive the award. Previous swimming honorees include Katie Ledecky in 2017 and Missy Franklin in 2015, underscoring how rare it is for swimmers to reach this level of recognition.
Walsh’s dominance in her final collegiate season was remarkable. In 2025, she captured seven NCAA championships, bringing her career total to 25 NCAA titles, including nine individual victories. Her performance set a new standard for excellence in women’s swimming and helped elevate Virginia’s program to national prominence.
Her leadership was instrumental in guiding Virginia to its fifth consecutive NCAA team championship. With this achievement, Virginia became only the third school in NCAA Division I women’s swimming and diving history to win five straight team titles.
This run of success places the Cavaliers among the elite programs in the sport and highlights the depth of talent developed at the university.
Honda Cup – Virginia ⚔️ :
1991 – Dawn Staley 🏀
2025 – Gretchen Walsh 🏊♀️ https://t.co/cO1CwlduOn pic.twitter.com/k00WLlm8od— MR.CARTER (@NelsonCarterJr) July 1, 2025
The 22-year-old Tennessee native’s success is a testament to her dedication and the strength of Virginia’s swimming program. Her Honda Cup win not only celebrates her individual accomplishments but also signals a new era for the university’s women’s athletics.
Staley’s Lasting Legacy and South Carolina’s Continued Excellence
Staley’s impact on women’s basketball began with her playing days at Virginia, where she earned All-American honors and led the Cavaliers to three NCAA Final Four appearances. After winning the Honda Cup in 1991, she transitioned to a coaching career that has defined her legacy in college basketball.
As head coach at South Carolina, Staley has built a powerhouse program that has won three national titles, nine regular-season SEC titles, and nine SEC tournament championships, among many other awards.
The 2024 season saw the Gamecocks finish undefeated at 38-0, a rare feat in college basketball. In 2025, South Carolina reached the national championship game but lost to UConn, 82-59, ending their pursuit of back-to-back titles.
Despite the loss, Staley’s program remains a benchmark for excellence, consistently attracting top recruits and developing players who excel at the highest level.
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Staley’s ability to build championship-caliber teams has made her one of the most respected coaches in the sport. Her influence extends beyond wins and losses, as she continues to shape the future of women’s basketball through her leadership and commitment to her players.
Walsh’s Honda Cup victory ensures Virginia’s continued presence among the nation’s elite women’s collegiate athletics programs. The 34-year span between the university’s Honda Cup winners highlights the rarity of such achievements and the dedication required to reach this level.
From Staley’s dominance on the basketball court to Walsh’s record-breaking performances in the pool, both athletes have redefined what is possible for Virginia’s female athletes.
Their stories reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to developing talent across different sports and serve as inspiration for future generations. As women’s collegiate athletics continue to grow, milestones like these remind us of the importance of opportunity, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.