Jun 24, 2025
NEW YORK – Juniata College women’s volleyball standout Olivia Foley has been named the Division III Honda Athlete of the Year, as announced today by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.
Foley will be recognized alongside the Class of 2025 Honda Sports Award winners and the prestigious Honda Cup recipient on a live telecast airing Monday, June 30, 2025, at 7 PM ET on CBS Sports Network from New York City.
“”I’m incredibly honored to receive the Collegiate Women Sports Athlete of the Year Award presented by Honda for Division III” said Foley. “Representing Juniata College and the sport of volleyball on a national level is a privilege I don’t take lightly. While this award may appear to recognize an individual, to me it represents something much greater — the collective effort, heart, and determination of my entire team. It’s a reflection of the countless hours, shared sacrifices, and unwavering support from those around me. I’m especially grateful to my coaches, Heather and Casey, whose guidance and belief in me have meant the world. I also want to thank my teammates, who have pushed me, inspired me, and made every moment of this journey meaningful. Most importantly, I want to thank my parents, my two sisters, and my entire family — their constant love, encouragement, and support have been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. I’m proud to share this honor with them and with the entire Juniata community.”
Foley capped off one of the most accomplished careers in NCAA Division III volleyball history. The graduate setter from Coldwater, Mich., led Juniata to a third consecutive NCAA Division III National Championship and back-to-back perfect 35-0 seasons, helping the Eagles extend their remarkable winning streak to 97 straight matches.
A two-time AVCA Division III Player of the Year and four-time AVCA All-American, Foley was the catalyst behind the nation’s most potent offense. She totaled 1,125 assists in 2024, averaging an NCAA-best 11.84 assists per set, and helped power a team that led the country in kills per set (14.20). She also contributed 279 digs, 34 service aces, 27 blocks, and 49 kills while hitting a career-high .331.
In her final collegiate match, Foley recorded a career-best 56 assists to help clinch the national title. She earned NCAA All-Championship Team honors for the second time and was named the 2023 Championship Most Outstanding Player. A four-time Landmark All-Conference honoree, Foley was also named the 2024 Landmark Player of the Year and twice earned Championship MVP honors.
A two-time finalist for the DIII Honda Athlete of the Year, Foley leaves behind a legacy of leadership, excellence, and historic achievement that will resonate in the Juniata program and Division III athletics for years to come.
“Olivia is a wonderful all-round player and an exceptional setter who continued to get better with each passing year,” stated head coach Heather Pavlik. ” She has been our starting setter for four years and within that time has led her team to four Final Fours and three National Championships. She is a tremendous competitor who played her best in the biggest moments. She capped off her career this past season by winning her second National POY award and leading her team to a third consecutive National Championship and second consecutive undefeated season. Her team won 97 straight matches during the last three seasons and their record during her four years leading the offense was 136-3. Her grit, work ethic and competitiveness are the qualities that every coach would love to have in their starting setter and our school and program have certainly benefitted in so many ways because Olivia chose to study and play here at Juniata. The volleyball program and the overall Juniata community are all very excited that Olivia is the Division 3 Honda Award winner!””
Finalists for the 2025 DIII Honda Athlete of the Year included Natalie Bruns (Basketball, NYU), Faith Duncan (Cross Country, Wilmington), Amy Griffin (Field Hockey, Middlebury), Lauren Jarrett (Track & Field, UW La Crosse), Tristen Maddox (Softball, ETBU), Kaley McIntyre (Swimming & Diving, NYU), Hope Shue (Lacrosse, Middlebury), Olivia Soffer (Tennis, Babson), Katie Sullivan (Soccer, Johns Hopkins), and Alison Takamiya (Golf, George Fox).
The CWSA, now in its 49th year, celebrates the nation’s top NCAA women athletes for their excellence in athletics, leadership, academics, and community service. Since its partnership began in 1986, Honda has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants to the universities of award winners and nominees, supporting the growth and success of women’s athletics programs.
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