CWSA Release

BABSON PARK, Mass.—Babson College senior Olivia Soffer (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) was selected as the Division III Honda Athlete of the Year finalist for women's tennis on Monday afternoon in an announcement made by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of the Collegiate Women's Sports Awards (CWSA). 

The Honda Award finalists are recognized in 11 Division II and Division III NCAA-sanctioned sports; basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field and volleyball.

All Honda Sport Award finalists from Division II and Division III will vie for the prestigious 2025 Honda Athlete of the Year award in their respective divisions, presented on a live telecast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, June 30 at 7 p.m., from its new home in New York City. 

One of the top women's tennis players in Division III history and Babson's first Honda Award finalist, Soffer concluded her career by winning a second consecutive NCAA national championship in doubles alongside junior Matia Cristiani (San Salvador, El Salvador) on May 27. They defeated the top-ranked duo of Sahana Raman and Nina Farhat of Middlebury, 6-2, 6-2, in the final for their 17th consecutive victory, finishing the year at 27-2 overall. 

Soffer and Cristiani, who also were the NCAA doubles runners-up in 2023, became the first players to reach the championship match in three consecutive seasons since 2014 and the first back-to-back national champions since 2016.

In addition to her success in doubles, Soffer went 27-5 in singles and concluded the year ranked fourth in Division III by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). She was tabbed as both the ITA Northeast Region and ITA Division III Senior Player of the Year, becoming the first from Babson to win both awards, and earned a spot at the NCAA Singles Championship for the fourth year in a row, where she advanced to the second round. 

"It's an incredible honor to be named a finalist for the Honda Sports Award," said Soffer. "I am beyond grateful to my coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me throughout my college tennis career. To be considered for an award that has recognized so many inspiring women is truly humbling. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without the unwavering support of the incredible women in my life - especially the ones I've had the privilege of learning from during my four years at Babson. I'm so proud to represent my team, my school, and the sport I love!"

A four-time ITA All-America selection in singles and a three-time All-America honoree in doubles, Soffer ranks first in Babson history with 99 singles wins, 97 doubles victories and 196 career wins. She set a single-season record by going 31-2 on the way to advancing to the NCAA singles final in 2023 and paired with Cristiani to win 32 times on the way to capturing the Beavers' first doubles national title in 2024. 

The four-time New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Player of the Year, Soffer earned all-league honors in both singles and doubles in each of her four seasons. She also captured the program's first ITA New England Championships singles title in 2022 and the Beavers' first doubles crown alongside Cristiani in 2023. 

Additionally, Soffer was the first player in Babson history to earn a spot in the NCAA singles championship and the ITA Cup. She also helped the Beavers make two NCAA appearances as a team, which included advancing to their first regional final in 2023. 

"Over the course of four exceptional years, Olivia established herself as one of the most decorated players in Division III tennis," commented Babson head coach Emma Hall. "She has set a new standard for excellence through her incredible performance on court, consistent leadership, and determination to be the best. Her explosive serve and the power she brought to every shot made her a true force on the court. What truly elevated her game, however, was her mental toughness - the focus, resilience, and competitive drive that fueled her success. Olivia's hard work and long hours have brought her to this moment and I am so happy she has been selected as a finalist for such a prestigious award."

The CWSA, entering its 49th 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 and the Honda USA Foundation 

For more than 65 years in the U.S., Honda has been committed to making positive contributions to the communities where its associates live and work. The company's mission is to create products and services that help people fulfill their life's potential, while conducting business in a sustainable manner and fostering an inclusive workplace. Advancing its corporate social responsibility, Honda and the Honda USA Foundation support this direction through giving focused on education, the environment, mobility, traffic safety, and community.