CARSON, Calif,.- Former Cal State Dominguez Hills standout Nala Williams continues to add to her legacy, being named a finalist for the prestigious Division II Honda Athlete of the Year for Basketball, the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) announced this week.

Now competing for the San Diego State Aztecs, Williams is one of just 11 elite finalists across NCAA Division II athletics being considered for the national honor. The winner will be selected through national balloting by administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools and recognized during a live telecast on CBS Sports Network in June from New York City.

Williams recently capped off an extraordinary career at Dominguez Hills with one of the most decorated seasons in school history. She was named the 2025 WBCA NCAA Division II National Player of the Year—the first in program history—and earned WBCA First Team All-American honors.

The Long Beach native helped lead the Toros to a historic 2024–25 campaign that included a program-record 36 wins, CCAA regular season and tournament titles, a West Region Championship, and the program's first-ever NCAA Championship game appearance.

"It is such an honor to be in consideration for this award," Williams said. "I am truly appreciative for my coaches, teammates, and family; whom have all contributed to my experienced success."

Williams finished the season averaging 17.0 points, 4.2 assists, 4.0 steals, and 5.1 rebounds per game. She swept major CCAA awards, including Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, and added D2CCA West Region Player of the Year, All-West Region First Team honors, and a spot on the CCAA All-Tournament Team.

"Nala has been an absolute dream to coach," said head coach John Bonner. "She is selfless, intelligent, and engaging while also being an excellent basketball player. I can't say enough about her work ethic, passion, and drive for the game, her teammates, and community."

Now in its 49th year, the CWSA recognizes the top female collegiate athletes for their athletic excellence, academic achievement, leadership, and service. Since 1986, Honda has partnered with the program to award more than $3.4 million in grants in support of women's athletics.

Williams' impact on and off the court continues to resonate, and her recognition as a finalist for one of Division II's highest honors is a fitting tribute to an unforgettable chapter in Toro women's basketball history.