Georgia’s Dasha Vidmanova Wins 2025 Honda Sport Award, Becomes First in Program History to Achieve NCAA Tennis Triple Crown

Georgia’s Dasha Vidmanova’s tennis career reached an extraordinary milestone in 2025 as she was named the recipient of the prestigious Honda Sport Award for Tennis. With this honor, Vidmanova not only solidified her place among the elite in collegiate tennis but also etched her name in the annals of NCAA history as the first player in University of Georgia program history and just the third woman ever to capture the NCAA Triple Crown. This rare feat, achieved by winning the NCAA team championship, the NCAA singles championship, and the NCAA doubles championship over the course of her career, is a testament to her enduring excellence, competitive fire, and unwavering leadership on the court. The 2025 season was one of dominance and distinction for both Vidmanova and the Bulldogs, as she guided the team to victories in the ITA National Team Indoor Championship, the SEC Tournament title, and ultimately the NCAA Championship. These titles were more than mere trophies—they were the final exclamation points on a collegiate career that had already been filled with moments of brilliance.

Vidmanova’s presence in the Georgia lineup was felt from the very first time she stepped onto the court wearing the red and black. Her unique combination of power, finesse, and on-court intelligence set her apart early in her career, and it was evident to teammates, coaches, and opponents alike that she was destined for greatness. But talent alone doesn’t guarantee success at the highest levels of college tennis. It takes a relentless work ethic, mental fortitude, and the ability to elevate not only one’s own game but also the performance of an entire team. Vidmanova did all of that and more. As she developed into a consistent force at the top of Georgia’s singles lineup and a versatile, dependable partner in doubles, her leadership became an essential ingredient in Georgia’s rise to national prominence.

What makes her 2025 campaign particularly unforgettable is the manner in which she carried her team through some of the most pressure-filled moments of the season. Whether it was the electric atmosphere of the ITA Indoor Championship final, the do-or-die matches of the SEC Tournament, or the unforgiving single-elimination gauntlet of the NCAA Championship, Vidmanova’s composure never wavered. Her ability to thrive in these high-stakes moments was emblematic of her larger impact. When her teammates needed a spark, she delivered. When the Bulldogs were staring down elimination, she provided the inspiration and results necessary to turn the tide.

Winning the NCAA team title was the crowning achievement of Georgia’s season, and Vidmanova was at the center of it. She recorded key victories in every round, and her presence gave Georgia a psychological edge. Opponents knew that beating Georgia would require going through Vidmanova—something few teams managed to accomplish. But she wasn’t just a superstar in singles play. Her doubles prowess, built on razor-sharp reflexes and intuitive chemistry with her partners, allowed Georgia to routinely gain the crucial doubles point that often sets the tone in college dual matches. This versatility and adaptability are what made her such a dynamic weapon for the Bulldogs.

Beyond the team success, Vidmanova’s individual accomplishments are staggering. Winning the NCAA singles championship places her among the most elite players in the sport. It is a physically and mentally grueling event, requiring players to navigate several rounds of the most talented collegiate opponents in the country. Her ability to withstand those challenges and emerge victorious speaks volumes about her preparation and mental endurance. Winning the doubles championship as well required a different kind of chemistry and trust, and it’s a further reflection of her versatility and commitment to every aspect of the team’s success. These individual titles completed her historic Triple Crown and positioned her as one of the most decorated athletes in NCAA tennis history.

Earning the Honda Sport Award caps this remarkable season and pays tribute to her all-around excellence. The award is given annually to the top female athlete in each of 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports, and it recognizes not just athletic achievement but also leadership, academic standing, and involvement in the community. For Vidmanova, winning this award is both a recognition of her dominance on the court and a celebration of her character and sportsmanship. She becomes the 21st athlete in University of Georgia history to earn the Honda Sport Award and the fourth in the women’s tennis program, joining legends who helped build the foundation of one of the country’s premier collegiate tennis programs. Notably, she is the first Bulldog to receive this distinction since Kendall Williams won for track and field in the 2016-17 academic year.

The legacy Vidmanova leaves behind at Georgia will not only be defined by trophies and titles, but also by the influence she had on the players around her. Teammates consistently praised her for her work ethic and competitive spirit, often describing how her presence elevated everyone’s level of play. Younger players looked up to her as both a role model and a mentor, and her leadership was instrumental in fostering a culture of accountability and excellence within the program. Coaches lauded her commitment to improvement and her ability to balance the demands of competition with those of academics and leadership. In many ways, Vidmanova represented the ideal student-athlete.

Her accomplishments also serve to raise the bar for what is possible at Georgia and in NCAA women’s tennis more broadly. Achieving the Triple Crown is a once-in-a-generation accomplishment, and it underscores the exceptional nature of her talent. Few players ever get the opportunity to contend for even one of those championships, let alone win all three over the course of a career. Her success will undoubtedly inspire future Bulldogs and college tennis players nationwide to aim higher and believe in the possibility of achieving greatness through hard work, dedication, and team spirit.

Looking forward, the future is bright for Vidmanova. Whether she chooses to pursue a professional career in tennis, continue her education, or explore new opportunities beyond the court, she will carry with her the lessons and experiences that shaped her at Georgia. The poise and determination she displayed throughout her college career will serve her well in any endeavor. Should she decide to test herself at the professional level, she will enter with a resume that commands respect and a game that has proven itself on some of the biggest stages in amateur tennis.

It is also worth noting how her success reflects on the broader Georgia athletics program, which continues to be a powerhouse across multiple sports. Vidmanova’s Honda Sport Award adds to the school’s rich history of developing elite female athletes and further cements Georgia’s status as a premier destination for those seeking to compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics. The women’s tennis program, in particular, has seen a resurgence in national attention thanks to this historic season, and Vidmanova’s legacy will be a key recruiting tool and point of pride for years to come.

Beyond the statistics and accolades, Vidmanova’s story is about perseverance, evolution, and impact. She came to Georgia with immense potential and left with a legacy that will stand the test of time. Her journey from a promising recruit to a nationally celebrated champion is one that reflects the very best of college sports. It is a narrative filled with challenges overcome, goals achieved, and dreams realized, and it is a testament to the environment fostered by Georgia coaches, teammates, and supporters who helped create the platform for her greatness.

As she accepts the Honda Sport Award, Vidmanova does so not just as a champion, but as a symbol of what is possible in women’s collegiate athletics. She represents the pursuit of excellence, the power of teamwork, and the enduring spirit of competition. For the University of Georgia, she will forever be remembered as a trailblazer and a legend. For fans of college tennis, she will be celebrated as one of the finest to ever step on the court. And for young athletes everywhere, she will stand as a shining example of how far talent, heart, and dedication can take you.