Each bounce, pass, and buzzer-beating shot in NCAA women’s basketball is a tale unto itself. However, it’s the awards that seal the legacies. It went from all-time greats such as Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu to upstart stars such as Caitlin Clark rewriting the record books.
The college basketball world holds its collective breath every year to find out who will take home the ultimate accolades. So, what are the most highly regarded individual honors in women’s college basketball?
NCAA Women’s Basketball’s Best Awards
Naismith College Player of the Year Award
Named for the man who invented the sport, Dr. James Naismith, this award is the standard of excellence among college basketball honors. Given by the Atlanta Tipoff Club, the Naismith Trophy is given each year to the best NCAA Division I women’s player—to the one who has displayed elite ability, leadership, character, and game-altering performances on the court throughout the season.
Awards go to legends such as Maya Moore (2011), Breanna Stewart (2015 & 2016), and Caitlin Clark, who took the award consecutively in 2023 and 2024.
“To win an award that’s dedicated to the person who invented the game—it’s otherworldly,” Clark stated after winning her second Naismith award.
Finalists are selected by a team of basketball journalists, coaches, and administrators and are thus highly competitive and a closely watched award. The honor frequently predicts WNBA superstardom and continues to be among the most desirable awards in the sport.
John R. Wooden Award
The John R. Wooden Award is unique in that it recognizes both athletic and academic achievement. Recipients are required to have a minimum GPA and be in good standing to graduate, recognizing the values of the late, great Coach Wooden. The award is given annually in April at a gala in Los Angeles. It is one of the most balanced and respected awards in the sport.
Previous winners are Chamique Holdsclaw, Candace Parker, and A’ja Wilson, who embodied greatness both on and off the floor. The Wooden Award honors the country’s top player—but only if she is an all-around student-athlete.
Associated Press (AP) Player of the Year
Voted upon by a national panel of sportscasters and writers, the AP Player of the Year is a consensus media choice for the country’s best player. Often, it will duplicate the votes of other top awards. However, it injects a unique, journalistic perspective into the selection process.
Past winners include legends such as Cheryl Miller and Sheryl Swoopes. Aliyah Boston from South Carolina earned it in 2022 because of her overpowering two-way play. It is a proven indicator of NCAA Tournament success and national attention.
Wade Trophy
Nicknamed “The Heisman of Women’s Basketball,” the Wade Trophy is given by the WBCA and honors the legacy of Delta State coaching legend Lily Margaret Wade. As an award, it stands out for considering performance. Nonetheless, it also includes leadership, character, and the intangible effect a player has on her teammates.
It’s the most complete individual award in the sport. Those who are winners of the Wade Trophy are usually leaders in all statistical and cultural measures within their program.
Nancy Lieberman Award
It spotlights the backbone of all teams—the point guard. It’s named after Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman, and the award has been presented each year since 2000 to the country’s best floor general. It’s a celebration of court vision, ball-handling, clutch shooting, and leadership. Winners are top names such as Sue Bird, Skylar Diggins, and Paige Bueckers.
“Being recognized for doing what point guards do best—leading—is incredibly meaningful,” Bueckers said after winning.
WBCA Defensive Player of the Year
Though offense typically dominates the spotlights, this award highlights the people shutting it all down. The WBCA Defensive Player of the Year goes to lockdown defenders who take control with steals, blocks, and overall havoc.
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Aliyah Boston took this award home in 2022 and 2023, leading South Carolina’s defense with unparalleled consistency and tenacity. It’s an award that honors hustle, IQ, and intensity—things every championship team needs.
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