INDIANAPOLIS - Denisha Cartwright, a track & field standout, from Minnesota State University was named the DII Honda Athlete of the Year as announced today by Executive Director Chris Voelz of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

Cartwright will be honored alongside the Class of 2024 and the Honda Cup winner on a live telecast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 7 PM ET, in New York City.

Finalists for the DII award included Lindsay Cunningham (Cross Country, Winona State), Salma Djoubri (Tennis, Lynn), Kenzie Foley (Volleyball, St. Cloud), Mia Klammer (Soccer, Saint Rose), Mary Kelly Mulcahy (Golf, Findlay), Sam Pirosko (Basketball, Gannon), Angelina Procello (Lacrosse, Pace), Kenzee Smith (Softball, Indianapolis), Emily Trieschmann (Swimming, Nova Southeastern) and Jady van Gils (Field Hockey, East Stroudsburg).

Most recently, Cartwright was named the 2024 United States Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) DII Outdoor Track & Field National Athlete of the Year after capturing two DII NCAA Championship titles in the 100-meter hurdles and 200-meters. She also finished runner-up at the NCAA Championship in the 100-meters.

A senior hailing from Nassau, Bahamas, she now boasts eight NCAA Championship titles in both indoor and outdoor, 16 top-three National Event finishes and one NCAA Division II record.

Overall, she is a 30-time All-America honoree in both indoor and outdoor track & field events and holds the DII all-time record in the 60-meter hurdles. She is a two-time Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Player of the Year and an 11-time NSIC Champion indoors and outdoors.

"Being named the Honda Women's Collegiate Athlete of the Year for Division II is an incredible honor," Cartwright said. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who has supported me. I hope to inspire others to push their limits and pursue their dreams so their goals can become reality." 

"We are extremely proud of everything Denisha has accomplished during her time at Minnesota State," said Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Mike Turgeon. "She graduated as the most decorated female athlete in school history. Denisha has been an influential leader throughout her four years, earning the highest honor a student-athlete can receive by being named the Division II Collegiate Women Sports Award recipient. She is the first Minnesota State student-athlete to receive this prestigious award. I wholeheartedly believe Denisha will continue to achieve great things in her professional running career."

"The entire University is proud of Denisha and all the success she has enjoyed during her time at Minnesota State," said Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman. "Her hard work, dedication and commitment have made this unprecedented recognition possible.  Her level of achievement is unrivaled and categorically make her the single most accomplished individual in the history of Maverick athletics. We celebrate her career and wish her the best, both personally and professionally as she transitions to what will be a very exciting future."

The CWSA, entering its 48th 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/.