University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Brantmeier Named Honda Award Finalist
May 26, 2026 | Women's Tennis
NEW YORK – Reese Brantmeier was named a finalist for the Class of 2026 Honda Sport Award for Tennis Tuesday afternoon. The standout senior from Carolina women's tennis is among four finalists for the prestigious award presented by The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA).
Brantmeier recently wrapped up her collegiate career at Carolina after leading the team to their second consecutive appearance in the Elite Eight. The Whitewater, Wisc. native leaves UNC as one of the best players in program history. Brantmeier helped guide the team to their first NCAA National Championship as a team in 2023 and later led the Tar Heels to back-to-back ACC Championships.
The senior has continued to rewrite the record books at Carolina. Brantmeier became just the second Tar Heel to win an NCAA Singles National Championship. She is the first player in program history to earn 10 All-America honors between singles and doubles across their career.
In ACC competition, Brantmeier was among the best each season. She became the ACC Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons and earned First Team All-ACC honors in singles and doubles each year of her career.
For five decades, the Honda Sport Award has honored the nation's top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports, symbolizing "the best of the best in collegiate athletics." The recipient will become a finalist for the prestigious Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the Class of 2026 Honda Cup.
The tennis finalists were selected according to final ITA collegiate rankings and NCAA competition. The Honda Sport award winner for tennis will be announced later this week after voting by administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools.
2026 Honda Award Finalists
Reese Brantmeier, North Carolina
Carmen Herea, Texas
Lucciana Perez, Texas A&M
Luciana Perry, Ohio State
Brantmeier recently wrapped up her collegiate career at Carolina after leading the team to their second consecutive appearance in the Elite Eight. The Whitewater, Wisc. native leaves UNC as one of the best players in program history. Brantmeier helped guide the team to their first NCAA National Championship as a team in 2023 and later led the Tar Heels to back-to-back ACC Championships.
The senior has continued to rewrite the record books at Carolina. Brantmeier became just the second Tar Heel to win an NCAA Singles National Championship. She is the first player in program history to earn 10 All-America honors between singles and doubles across their career.
In ACC competition, Brantmeier was among the best each season. She became the ACC Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons and earned First Team All-ACC honors in singles and doubles each year of her career.
For five decades, the Honda Sport Award has honored the nation's top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports, symbolizing "the best of the best in collegiate athletics." The recipient will become a finalist for the prestigious Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the Class of 2026 Honda Cup.
The tennis finalists were selected according to final ITA collegiate rankings and NCAA competition. The Honda Sport award winner for tennis will be announced later this week after voting by administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools.
2026 Honda Award Finalists
Reese Brantmeier, North Carolina
Carmen Herea, Texas
Lucciana Perez, Texas A&M
Luciana Perry, Ohio State
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
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