CARSON, Calif,. – Cal State Dominguez Hills junior guard Nala Williams has been named the 2025 Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) NCAA Division II Player of the Year, becoming the first player in program history to earn the prestigious honor. Williams was also selected as a WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches' All-American, adding to her growing list of accolades this season.

The Long Beach, Calif., native has been a dominant force for the Toros, leading them to a historic season with a program-record 33 wins. Williams has started all 35 games, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 4.1 steals per game while shooting 45.3% from the field. She has been the catalyst on both ends of the floor, recording 144 steals and dishing out 150 assists while shooting 40.1% from three-point range and 80.5% from the free-throw line.

Head coach John Bonner, who was also a finalist for the WBCA NCAA Division II Coach of the Year, praised Williams for her leadership and work ethic.

"Nala is the epitome of what it means to be the consummate teammate. She's one of the most selfless, confident, hardworking young women that I have been fortunate enough to coach—truly a coach's dream," Bonner said. "Nala puts in the work every day. She honors the game with her time, energy, and approach. I'm proud to see her reap the benefits of the work she has sown into the game. She deserves everything she has earned."

Williams' latest honor adds to an already decorated season, which includes being named the CCAA Player of the Year, CCAA Defensive Player of the Year, All-CCAA First Team, D2 CCA West Region Player of the Year, All-West Region First Team, and a member of the CCAA All-Tournament Team.

With Williams leading the way, the Toros are now set to compete in the NCAA Division II Elite 8, where they will take on Coker University in a national quarterfinal matchup on Monday at 2:30 p.m. EDT at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh.

The WBCA Player of the Year award is presented annually to the most outstanding player in NCAA Division II women's basketball. The WBCA, founded in 1981, is the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball at all levels, providing educational resources and advocacy while recognizing excellence in the sport.

Williams will now look to cap off her historic season as the Toros continue their pursuit of a national championship.