The Collegiate Women's Sports Awards (CWSA) has named New York University women's swimming standout Kaley McIntyre the Honda Division III Woman Athlete of the Year. The CWSA announced the award on Thursday, June 18, ahead of their 50th anniversary awards ceremony in July.
The DIII Honda Athlete of the Year was selected by senior women administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools.
Another NYU student-athlete, Caroline Peper of the women's basketball team, was also among the finalists for this year's award. The others considered were Caroline Adams (Middlebury Lacrosse), Hannah Biccard (Tufts Field Hockey), Olivia Clemons (WashU Soccer), Matia Cristiani (Babson Tennis), Riley Laygo (Rochester Softball), Zimo Li (Emory Golf), Audrey MacLean (Middlebury Cross Country), Sydney Radigan (Calvin Track & Field), and Mya Ray (La Verne Volleyball).
McIntyre is the first NYU student-athlete to receive the prestigious honor.
"I am incredibly honored to be named the Honda Division III Athlete of the Year," stated McIntyre. "This recognition means so much, not just to me, but to everyone who has been part of my journey. I am deeply grateful to my coaches, teammates, family, friends, and professors whose constant support, belief, and guidance have made this moment possible. My teammates have pushed and inspired me every single day, and this award is a reflection of the collective effort and commitment we have shared."
McIntyre, a senior from Novato, California, concludes her career as one of the most decorated athletes in NYU history. A three-time CSCAA Women's Swimmer of the Year and three-time Honda Division III Athlete of the Year finalist, she helped lead the program to its first national championship during the 2025-26 academic year.
At the 2026 NCAA Championships, McIntyre captured five titles, highlighted by her third consecutive win in the 100 free, while also claiming titles in the 50 free, 200 free, and as part of the 200 and 400 free relays. She finished her career as a 15-time National Champion (11 individual, four relay) and tied the Division III record for most individual national championships.
A 27-time First Team All-American and three-time UAA Swimmer of the Year, McIntyre holds four conference records and seven program records. She is also a CSCAA First Team Scholar All-American and a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient.
"To see Kaley named the Honda Division III Athlete of the Year is the perfect way to cap one of the greatest careers our sport has seen," stated NYU Head Coach Trevor Miele. "What sets her apart isn't just the championships or the records, it's the way she showed up every single day, raised the standard for everyone around her, and made the people next to her better. No one deserves this more. I feel lucky to have coached her."
McIntyre will be honored along with all the other division winners as part of the Collegiate Women's Sports Awards live broadcast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, July 27, at 7:00 pm ET, in New York City.
