NEW YORK – Kristina Orban, a sophomore from Nova Southeastern University, has been named a finalist in swimming & diving for the DII Honda Athlete of the Year, as announced today by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.
The announcement comes during a landmark moment for the organization, as the CWSA celebrates its 50th anniversary during the 2025–26 collegiate athletics season. Orban is now among 11 elite finalists for this prestigious award, which recognizes the top NCAA Division II athletes across various sports. The DII Honda Athlete of the Year will be selected by senior women administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools and will be honored during a live broadcast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, July 27th, at 7:00 pm ET, in New York City.
"Being a finalist for this award means so much to me," said Orban. "It reflects not only the hard work I've put in, but also the constant support and encouragement from my teammates, coaches, and family who push me to improve every single day. Being part of this program has truly reignited my passion for the sport, and it's stronger now than ever before. I wouldn't have been able to come this far without this team. I'm incredibly honored and deeply grateful for this recognition."
Orban was named the 2026 College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association (CSCAA) Division II Swimmer of the Year after a dominant season in which she earned seven CSCAA First Team All-America honors and helped lead her team to a fourth consecutive NCAA team championship. She is now a 13-time First Team All-American in her career.
At the 2026 NCAA Division II Championships, Orban captured three individual national titles in the 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle and 100 freestyle, while also contributing to three championship-winning relay teams, including the record-setting 200 medley relay.
The sophomore from Malmo, Sweden, was also named Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Championship Swimmer of the Meet after setting a meet record in the 50 freestyle and winning the 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly. She added to her impressive season by helping set a national record in the 200 freestyle relay and contributing to conference titles in the 800 freestyle relay and 200 medley relay. Overall, Orban has totaled seven SSC championship titles and was named SSC Swimmer of the Week four times this season and six times in her career.
"Kristina is a tremendous competitor," stated head coach Ben Hewitt. "Her success this year reflects her hard work, dedication, and resilience. I'm proud of what she has accomplished, and she is deserving of this honor. What stands out most, though, is her team-oriented approach. She has grown as a leader and is a positive influence on her teammates and peers."
Now in its 50th year, the CWSA continues to honor the nation's top female collegiate athletes for excellence in athletics, leadership, academics, and community service. Since partnering with Honda in
1986, the program has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants, strengthening and advancing women's athletics programs nationwide.
