HISTORIC HONOR: Georgia’s Aaliyah Butler Wins Prestigious Honda Sport Award for Track and Field, Continuing SEC’s Dominance

University of Georgia junior sprinter Aaliyah Butler has officially etched her name into the history books, earning one of the most prestigious individual accolades in collegiate athletics. The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) announced Thursday that Butler has been named the 2024 recipient of the Honda Sport Award for Track & Field, an honor that not only celebrates her remarkable achievements but also solidifies the Georgia Bulldogs’ growing reputation on the national stage.

Butler joins an elite company as only the second athlete in University of Georgia history to receive the coveted Honda Sport Award for Track & Field. The only other Bulldog to achieve this rare feat was Kendell Williams, who claimed the honor back in 2017 following her exceptional collegiate career. Now, nearly a decade later, Butler brings the award back to Athens, Georgia, further validating the program’s commitment to producing world-class track and field athletes.

The Honda Sport Award, presented annually by the CWSA, recognizes the top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports, with winners selected based on outstanding athletic performance, leadership, academic excellence, and involvement in community service. The award is widely regarded as one of the highest honors in collegiate athletics, and for Butler, it is a fitting testament to a season defined by speed, consistency, and competitive excellence.

Butler’s win also extends an impressive streak for the Southeastern Conference (SEC), giving the powerhouse league four consecutive winners of the Honda Sport Award for Track & Field and six of the last eight honorees. The SEC has long been recognized as a breeding ground for elite sprinters and track athletes, and Butler’s recognition only reinforces that narrative, showcasing the conference’s ability to cultivate the best talents year after year.

A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Aaliyah Butler burst onto the collegiate scene as a freshman and has continued to elevate her performance with each passing season. Known for her electrifying speed and unrelenting work ethic, Butler specializes in the 400 meters, where she has dominated the competition both indoors and outdoors. Her 2024 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, marked by record-breaking performances and championship triumphs that set her apart from the nation’s best.

Throughout the season, Butler has consistently clocked world-class times in the 400 meters, earning her multiple individual titles and solidifying her reputation as one of the fastest collegiate sprinters in the country. Her crowning achievement came at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, where she captured the national title in the 400 meters with a personal-best time that also set a new Georgia school record. Her winning performance not only contributed vital points to the Bulldogs’ overall team standing but also caught the attention of the national track and field community, putting her firmly in contention for end-of-season honors.

Butler’s dominance extends beyond individual races. She has been a crucial member of Georgia’s relay teams, playing an instrumental role in securing podium finishes in the 4×400-meter relay at both the indoor and outdoor championships. Her ability to excel under pressure, combined with her leadership and competitive drive, has made her an invaluable asset to the Bulldogs’ track and field program.

Georgia Head Coach Caryl Smith Gilbert, herself a decorated figure in collegiate track and field coaching, praised Butler’s historic accomplishment and her unwavering dedication to the sport.

“Aaliyah embodies everything that this award represents,” Smith Gilbert said. “Her commitment to excellence on the track, her leadership within our team, and her dedication to representing Georgia with pride and integrity are unmatched. We couldn’t be more proud of her, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work she has put in day after day.”

Butler’s impact extends far beyond the track. She has also made significant contributions off the track, engaging in community service initiatives and serving as a role model for young athletes aspiring to achieve greatness. Her academic performance has remained strong throughout her time at Georgia, demonstrating her ability to balance the rigors of being an elite student-athlete at one of the nation’s top athletic programs.

The Honda Sport Award adds to an already impressive list of accolades for Butler, whose trophy case includes NCAA titles, SEC championships, and multiple All-American honors. As one of the nation’s top sprinters, she has also competed on the international stage, representing the United States and gaining valuable experience that further fuels her athletic development.

With the 2024 collegiate season coming to a close, Butler’s future remains incredibly bright. Her performances this year have not only cemented her legacy at Georgia but also positioned her as a potential contender for global competitions, including the upcoming Olympic trials. Given her trajectory and work ethic, it’s only a matter of time before Butler’s name is mentioned alongside the greats of American sprinting.

The Honda Sport Award for Track & Field has historically served as a launching pad for athletes destined for greatness. Past winners have gone on to Olympic stardom, world championships, and professional success. For Butler, the honor represents both a celebration of her past achievements and a glimpse into what promises to be a remarkable athletic career beyond the NCAA stage.

The significance of Butler’s recognition also reverberates through the University of Georgia’s athletic department, which continues to climb the ranks as one of the premier programs in collegiate sports. Athletic Director Josh Brooks expressed immense pride in Butler’s achievement, noting the positive impact it has on the entire Bulldog community.

“Aaliyah Butler’s Honda Sport Award is a proud moment for Georgia Athletics,” Brooks stated. “She exemplifies what it means to be a Bulldog — determination, excellence, and integrity. This is not only a personal milestone for Aaliyah but a moment of celebration for all of Georgia.”

As Butler basks in the honor of being the 2024 Honda Sport Award winner for Track & Field, her focus remains firmly on the future. With her sights set on continuing her winning ways, contributing to Georgia’s success, and pursuing her Olympic dreams, there’s no limit to what this exceptional athlete can achieve.

The Southeastern Conference’s stranglehold on the award further underscores the region’s dominance in collegiate track and field. For the fourth consecutive year, an SEC athlete has claimed the title, showcasing the conference’s unmatched depth of talent and its ability to develop world-class competitors.

Looking ahead, Aaliyah Butler’s journey is far from over. If her performances this season are any indication, the track and field world should prepare for even greater feats from Georgia’s latest superstar. As she joins Kendell Williams in the Bulldogs’ exclusive club of Honda Sport Award winners, Butler stands as a shining example of athletic excellence, inspiring future generations of student-athletes to chase their dreams — both on and off the track.