NEW YORK, NY – University of Rochester softball junior Riley Laygo was named a finalist in softball for the Division III Honda Athlete of the Year, as announced by The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) on Wednesday.
 
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Player of the Year, Laygo was also named an NFCA First-Team All-American and the Liberty League Player of the Year, and earned both NFCA First-Team All-Region and First-Team All-Liberty League honors.
 
"To be selected as a finalist for the DIII Honda Athlete of the Year is truly an honor to not only represent my team, but also University of Rochester Athletics and Division III softball," Laygo said. "I am grateful to my team, coaches, and most importantly, my family for supporting me throughout my softball career. Without them, I would not be the person or athlete I am today."
 
This season, Laygo batted .535/.578/1.057 with 85 hits, 24 doubles, four triples, 17 home runs, 68 runs scored and 76 RBI. Nationally, Laygo ranked in 17 different statistical categories, leading DIII in total bases while ranking second in slugging and third in doubles, hits, home runs and RBI.
 
Laygo is now among 11 elite finalists for this prestigious award, which recognizes the top NCAA Division III athletes across various sports. The DIII Honda Athlete of the Year will be selected by senior women administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools and will be honored during a live broadcast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, July 27, at 7:00 p.m. ET, in New York City.
 
Now in its 50th year, the CWSA honors the nation's top female collegiate athletes for excellence in athletics, leadership, academics, and community service. Since partnering with Honda in 1986, the program has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants, strengthening and advancing women's athletics programs nationwide.