Each woman is selected not only for her superior athletic skills, but also for her leadership abilities, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service.
[1] The Awards were first created in 1976,[2] when Tom Broderick, an owner of an apparel store in Fergus, Ontario, decided to partner with Judie Holland, the senior women's administrator at UCLA[3] and Irv Grossman, a journalist, sports marketer and media consultant,[4] to create awards to recognize top female athletes at the collegiate level.
Although athletics prowess was a major consideration in the selection process, the selection committee considered "not only athletic achievement but also the ideals of team contribution, scholastic endeavor, school and community involvement and those personal characteristics as stated in the philosophy of the NCAA".
Nominees are provided by all NCAA sanctioned schools and the organization Board of Directors makes the final selection.
The Collegiate Women Sports Award (CWSA) partnered with ESPNU for the 2013 event,[11] and since 2014, have partnered with CBS to televise the announcement of the following awards:[12] Since 2013, the annual event has been held at the USC Founders Club at Galen Center in Los Angeles.
The four fall sports (cross country, field hockey, soccer and volleyball) were able to conclude both their regular season and championships.
The three winter sports (swimming & diving, basketball and gymnastics) were able to complete their regular seasons, but championships were canceled.
The five spring sports (tennis, golf, lacrosse, softball and track & field) were unable to hold their regular season or championships.