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/ Women's Basketball
Photo by: Katie Chin
USC's Aaliyah Gayles Named Finalist For Honda Inspiration Award
May 29, 2024 | Women's Basketball
A victim of a shooting in high school, the McDonald’s All-American fought her way back to action in her redshirt freshman season.
USC's Aaliyah Gayles has been named one of three finalists for the Honda Inspiration Award, the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) announced today (May 29). A 2022 McDonald's All-American, Gayles was the victim of multiple gunshot wounds during her senior year of high school. Surgeries and setbacks following the life-threatening incident would not alter the comeback course she set for herself, however.Â
Sidelined as a true freshman on the USC women's basketball team as she underwent physical therapy and further procedures, she remained both focused on her journey while also constantly supporting and encouraging — and inspiring — her teammates.Â
Months turned to almost two years, but Gayles made it. On Nov. 10, 2023, she checked in for her first minutes on-court in a USC basketball uniform to a standing ovation — and tears — from her team, support staff and fans. A little over two weeks later, Gayles nailed her first 3-pointer as a Trojan, with the USC bench erupting in support of their beloved, charismatic and determined teammate. "AG3" is an inspiration, and her personality and heart shine through to anyone fortunate enough to meet her.
Gayles' story, along with those of the other two finalists, will be broadcast in a special, "Defying the Odds: The 2024 Honda Inspiration Award," on CBS Sports Network on June 17 at 5 p.m. PT. The winner of the 2024 award will be honored in a televised ceremony in New York City on June 24. Joining Gayles as finalists for 2024 are BYU track & field athlete Meghan Hunter and Wheaton College basketball player Annie Tate. Gayles also received the Pac-12's Tammy Blackburn Inspiration Award earlier this year.Â
ABOUT THE HONDA INSPIRATION AWARD
An Inspiration Award winner has been selected annually for the past 36 years. The Honda Inspiration Award is given to a deserving female student-athlete in Division I, II or III who has experienced extraordinary physical and/or emotional adversity, injury and/or illness, or experienced extraordinary personal sacrifice during her college enrollment as a student-athlete and yet returns to athletic success.
Jean Lenti Ponsetto, Chair of the CWSA Board of Directors stated, "I'm in awe of the courage and perseverance of the Inspiration Award finalists. Their stories ring true of gutsy resilience, motivation and loyalty in overcoming all odds to be contributing members of their teams."
The 2024 Honda Inspiration Award finalists showcase remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The CWSA, entering its 48th 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. Â
ABOUT HONDA CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
For more than 60 years in the U.S., Honda has been committed to making positive contributions to the communities where its associates live and work. Honda's mission is to create products and services that improve the lives of people while conducting its business in a sustainable manner and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Accordingly, Honda believes in helping people reach their life's potential through its focus on the areas of education, the environment, mobility, traffic safety and community. Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/. Â
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Sidelined as a true freshman on the USC women's basketball team as she underwent physical therapy and further procedures, she remained both focused on her journey while also constantly supporting and encouraging — and inspiring — her teammates.Â
Months turned to almost two years, but Gayles made it. On Nov. 10, 2023, she checked in for her first minutes on-court in a USC basketball uniform to a standing ovation — and tears — from her team, support staff and fans. A little over two weeks later, Gayles nailed her first 3-pointer as a Trojan, with the USC bench erupting in support of their beloved, charismatic and determined teammate. "AG3" is an inspiration, and her personality and heart shine through to anyone fortunate enough to meet her.
Gayles' story, along with those of the other two finalists, will be broadcast in a special, "Defying the Odds: The 2024 Honda Inspiration Award," on CBS Sports Network on June 17 at 5 p.m. PT. The winner of the 2024 award will be honored in a televised ceremony in New York City on June 24. Joining Gayles as finalists for 2024 are BYU track & field athlete Meghan Hunter and Wheaton College basketball player Annie Tate. Gayles also received the Pac-12's Tammy Blackburn Inspiration Award earlier this year.Â
ABOUT THE HONDA INSPIRATION AWARD
An Inspiration Award winner has been selected annually for the past 36 years. The Honda Inspiration Award is given to a deserving female student-athlete in Division I, II or III who has experienced extraordinary physical and/or emotional adversity, injury and/or illness, or experienced extraordinary personal sacrifice during her college enrollment as a student-athlete and yet returns to athletic success.
Jean Lenti Ponsetto, Chair of the CWSA Board of Directors stated, "I'm in awe of the courage and perseverance of the Inspiration Award finalists. Their stories ring true of gutsy resilience, motivation and loyalty in overcoming all odds to be contributing members of their teams."
The 2024 Honda Inspiration Award finalists showcase remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The CWSA, entering its 48th 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. Â
ABOUT HONDA CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
For more than 60 years in the U.S., Honda has been committed to making positive contributions to the communities where its associates live and work. Honda's mission is to create products and services that improve the lives of people while conducting its business in a sustainable manner and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Accordingly, Honda believes in helping people reach their life's potential through its focus on the areas of education, the environment, mobility, traffic safety and community. Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/. Â
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