USC’s Aaliyah Gayles Wins Class of 2024 Honda Inspiration Award

USC's Aaliyah Gayles has earned national honors, named as the winner of the Class of 2024 Honda Inspiration Award today (June 18) by Chris Voelz of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards presented by Honda (CWSA). 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.

"I'm very grateful and honored to win this award," Gayles said. "It's a big moment for me to have come this far and to be recognized for my hard work and dedication. I'm also very happy to be among these other two finalists who have also overcome so much. I want to say thank you to everyone for believing in me and my story, and for all the support and love I have received. Fight on!"

A 2022 McDonald's All-American out of Las Vegas, Nev., 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. 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.

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.

Aaliyah Gayles' talent and work ethic led to a scholarship with @USCWBB. But, everything changed when she was shot at a house party, surviving more than a dozen gunshot wounds.

She worked tirelessly through her rehab with one main goal: play basketball again and take the court… pic.twitter.com/it0e8WgyDG
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 18, 2024

"We are thrilled that Aaliyah is being recognized with such a prestigious award for the qualities that we see every day: her fighting spirit, belief, loyalty and incredible strength," USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. "The Honda Awards recognize the best of the best in collegiate athletics, and AG belongs in this company. She has handled an unfathomable circumstance with unwavering faith and strength. She is a valued and important member of our USC women's basketball team and remains an inspiration to our staff and players, as well as anyone who has the pleasure to know her. We are very proud."

Gayles was chosen as the winner by the CWSA Board of Directors, and the three finalists were chosen by the CWSA Inspiration Award committee. The other two finalists were BYU track & field's Meghan Hunter and Wheaton (Ill.) basketball's Annie Tate.

"All three finalists were certainly deserving, and any of them could have been selected as the Honda Inspiration Award winner," Voelz said. "However, Aaliyah's story stood out as incredibly compelling. After being shot approximately nine times in both arms and legs, fracturing bones and opening arteries, she required multiple immediate surgeries. Her journey of rehabbing for over a year — from a physically gifted athlete to relearning how to walk, and ultimately returning to the court — is a remarkable testament to her effort and resilience. It's a story that truly inspires us all."

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.

Each of the 2024 finalists' stories were highlighted in an hour-long Honda Inspiration Award special on CBS Sports Network, Defying the Odds: The 2024 Honda Inspiration Award. This program will be re-aired on Monday, June 24, at 3:30 p.m. PT on CBS Sports Network, leading into the Collegiate Women Sports Awards presented by Honda live award show at 4 p.m. PT.

"Aaliyah Gayles' story of her overcoming incredible odds for returning to her sport is filled with sheer determination and dedication toward getting back on the court with her teammates," said Jean Lenti Ponsetto, Chair of the CWSA Board of Directors. "Her courage and commitment are truly inspirational."

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.

Gayles also was named the Pac-12's Tammy Blackburn Inspiration Award winner during USC's journey to winning the 2024 Pac-12 Tournament Championship and before the Trojans' NCAA Elite Eight run.

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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/.

Players Mentioned

Aaliyah Gayles