Former Cal All-American swimmer Missy Franklin returned to campus Saturday to be recognized for winning the 2015 Honda Cup as the top collegiate female athlete in the country.
Franklin was joined by Cal athletic director Mike Williams, Cal Senior Woman Administrator Jenny Simon-O’Neill and Honda Zone Manager Eric Van Olft at mid-court during halftime of the Cal men’s basketball game against Arizona. Franklin initially received the award during a ceremony last June in Los Angeles.
Franklin competed for the Golden Bears for two seasons and captured seven NCAA titles in individual events and relays while also helping Cal win the overall team title in 2015. She was the 2015 NCAA Swimmer of the Year.
“The Honda Cup means so much to me,” Franklin said. “It’s by far one of the awards that really sticks out for me because I may not have even had this experience. The fact that I even had the opportunity to come and swim in college – that’s what matters most to me. The fact that I was able to win the Honda Cup along the way is just an incredible honor.”
Franklin was also an outstanding student during her time in Berkeley. The psychology major owns a 3.58 GPA and was named the 2015 Capital One Academic All-American of the Year (at-large division).
Franklin said she plans to return to Cal as a student in the fall of 2016 after this summer’s competition.
“I miss being here so much,” Franklin said. “I can’t wait to be back in the fall. To be back in the fall and finish up with my degree, I could not be more excited.”
California Athletics contributed this report.
Congratulations Missy, Teri and all the Cal Bears Women Swimmers, their parents and supporters!