Senior diver Sophie Verzyl has been named a finalist for the 2026 Honda Sport Award for Swimming and Diving. She became the first in program history to win a national title in the 3-meter dive at the NCAA Championships and secured a second-place finish in the 1-meter event. Verzyl has achieved four-time All-American status, defended her title in the 3-meter at the SEC Championships, and received significant accolades including 13 event wins this season. Other finalists include Stanford's Lucy Bell, Torri Huske, and Virginia's Claire Curzan. The winner of the award will be revealed on July 27 during a live CBS Sports Network presentation.

By the Numbers
  • Sophie Verzyl won 13 events this season and received five SEC Diver of the Week honors.
  • She set a new program record in the 1-meter dive at the University of Tennessee.
Yes, But

While Verzyl's accomplishments are significant, competition remains fierce with strong finalists from rival programs, which may impact her chances of winning the Honda Sport Award.

State of Play
  • Verzyl has emerged as a leading performer in collegiate diving, especially after her national title victory.
  • The Honda Sport Award selection process involves voting by over 1,000 NCAA member school administrators, indicating broad industry recognition of the finalists.
What's Next

As the award ceremony approaches, expectations for Verzyl will build, along with increased visibility and potential for future opportunities in her athletic career, regardless of the outcome.

Bottom Line

Sophie Verzyl's remarkable achievements culminate in her nomination for the Honda Sport Award, highlighting her status as one of collegiate athletics' elite while underscoring the competitive nature of award selection.