Elza Tomase Named 2025 Honda Award Finalist
May 27, 2025 | Women's Tennis
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee women's tennis senior Elza Tomase was named a finalist for the 2025 Honda Sport Award for the first time in her career, as announced by Chris Voelz, the Executive Director of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) on Tuesday.
Tomase is looking to become the second Lady Vol in program history to claim this accolade; she would join Vilmarie Castellvi, who earned the honor in 2003.
The Honda Sport Award has been presented annually by the CWSA for the past 49 years, recognizing the top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports and symbolizing "the best of the best in collegiate athletics."
One of the most decorated players in Tennessee women's tennis history, Tomase has left a significant impact on the program during her four years on Rocky Top. Tomase capped off her senior campaign with a 26-12 record, including eight stellar victories over ranked opponents. The Liepaja, Latvia, native has been ranked in every single ITA singles and doubles poll, placing as high as No. 4 in singles (final ranking) and No. 23 in doubles, the latter alongside Catherine Aulia. Tomase is just the sixth player in program history to be named a singles and doubles All-American, joining Margie Lepsi, Manisha Malhotra, Vilmarie Castellvi, Caitlin Whoriskey and Sofia Cabezas.
Tomase is joined by Auburn's DJ Bennett, Texas A&M's Mary Stoiana and Georgia's Dasha Vidmanova as the four finalists for the Class of 2025 Honda Sport Award for women's tennis.
The tennis finalists were selected by final ITA rankings and NCAA competition. The Honda Sport award winner for tennis will be announced after voting by administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools. Each NCAA member institution has a vote.
This spring, Tomase knocked off eight ranked singles foes and three ranked pairs in doubles, including tallying a six-match winning streak to start the dual season. Her highest-ranked singles triumph came against No. 3 DJ Bennett in a 6-0, 6-1 standout performance on Senior Day. Tomse earned SEC Player of the Week honors on Jan. 29, 2025.
Tomase owns 98 career singles victories, putting her in 10th place on Tennessee's all-time list. The senior garnered All-SEC honors for the fourth consecutive year. She joins Vilmarie Castellvi and Crystal Cleveland as the only players in program history to be four-time All-SEC recipients.
The CWSA, now in its 49th year, celebrates the nation's top NCAA women athletes for their excellence in athletics, leadership, academics and community service. Since its partnership began in 1986, Honda has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants to the universities of award winners and nominees, supporting the growth and success of women's athletics programs.
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