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Doris Lemngole Named Finalist for Honda Sports Award, Elevating Alabama Track & Field
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Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 1:14 GMT by Sports Illustrated- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Doris Lemngole Named Finalist for Honda Sports Award, Elevating Alabama Track & Field
In a season that has already proven to be historic for the Crimson Tide, sophomore hurdler Doris Lemngole has been announced as one of the twelve finalists for the prestigious Honda Sports Award for Track and Field. The award, presented annually by the Honda Foundation, recognizes the nation's top female collegiate athletes in each NCAA sport and carries with it a significant scholarship and a national spotlight on the recipients. Lemngole’s selection not only highlights her individual brilliance but also underscores the depth of talent that the University of Alabama has cultivated in its women's track and field program.
From the Streets of Liberia to the Tide Line
Lemngole’s journey to Alabama began in Monrovia, Liberia, where she first discovered her passion for sprinting and hurdling. After earning a scholarship through the International Student and Scholar Program, she arrived on campus in the fall of 2022 as a freshman and quickly made an impact. “Coming from Liberia, I’ve had to learn to navigate a new culture and a new sport, but I was determined to give my all,” Lemngole told reporters. “The support of my teammates and the coaching staff has been incredible.”
Her performance trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. In her first year, Lemngole posted a 54.23‑second personal best in the 400 m hurdles, earning her the SEC’s Rookie of the Year award. The following season, she broke the 52‑second barrier, running a 51.89‑second race that positioned her as one of the top contenders in the country heading into the NCAA championships.
A Season of Dominance
The 2024 season saw Lemngole add another SEC title to her résumé, winning the 400 m hurdles with a time of 51.73 seconds—an Alabama school record for the event. She followed that triumph with a blistering performance at the NCAA Championships, finishing third in the 400 m hurdles with a personal best of 51.63 seconds and contributing a vital point to the Tide’s overall team score. In the 4×400 m relay, Lemngole ran the anchor leg, helping the Crimson Tide secure a silver medal behind a field that included the world champion.
“It’s not just about the times,” Coach T. Brown, head coach of the women’s track and field program, noted in an interview. “Doris has shown remarkable consistency, leadership, and the ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are high. Those qualities are exactly what the Honda Sports Award looks for in a finalist.”
The Honda Sports Award: A National Platform
The Honda Sports Award has been presented to the best female collegiate athlete in each NCAA sport since 1975. Finalists are chosen by the Women’s Sports Foundation based on a blend of athletic performance, leadership, academic standing, and community involvement. The top finalist receives a $25,000 scholarship, while the remaining finalists receive a $5,000 honorarium and are presented with a trophy at the Honda Sports Awards ceremony during the NCAA March Madness week.
Lemngole’s nomination follows in the footsteps of other Alabama athletes who have garnered national acclaim—most notably Caitlin Clark (women’s basketball) and Hannah Green (women’s tennis). The university’s continued presence in the Honda Sports Award rankings signals its growing reputation as a hub for elite female athletes across multiple sports.
Looking Ahead: Beyond the Track
While the award itself is a major milestone, Lemngole’s coach and teammates view it as part of a larger narrative about the growth of women’s athletics at Alabama. “Doris’s story is about resilience, teamwork, and the commitment to excellence,” Brown explained. “She’s a role model for our freshmen and for the next generation of athletes who come from diverse backgrounds.”
For Lemngole, the future is bright. She plans to focus on improving her hurdling technique, aiming for a sub‑51‑second performance by the end of the next season. She is also pursuing a degree in International Relations, with hopes of one day working with organizations that support refugees and displaced persons—an endeavor that resonates deeply with her personal experience.
What This Means for Alabama Track & Field
Lemngole’s recognition as a Honda Sports Award finalist brings national attention to the Alabama women’s track and field program at a pivotal moment. In the past few years, the Tide has transitioned from a mid‑tier SEC program to a consistent contender on the national stage. This evolution has been driven by strategic recruiting, state‑of‑the‑art training facilities, and a coaching philosophy that emphasizes both athletic excellence and academic integrity.
With Lemngole’s continued development, the program is poised to capture its first NCAA women's track and field title. Moreover, her nomination serves as a magnet for prospective recruits who seek an environment that values both athletic and personal growth. “When we see a student‑athlete like Doris achieve recognition on the national stage, it validates the work we do every day,” said Brown. “It sends a clear message: you can excel academically, make an impact on the field, and still have a platform to advocate for causes that matter to you.”
Follow the Journey
Readers interested in following Lemngole’s progress and the broader story of Alabama athletics can explore additional resources:
- The Honda Sports Award official site ([ hondasportaward.com ]) offers detailed profiles of each finalist and the criteria used in selection.
- The University of Alabama’s women’s track & field roster page ([ rolltide.com/sports/womens-track-and-field ]) provides up‑to‑date statistics and athlete bios.
- For deeper insight into Lemngole’s personal narrative, the university’s athletics media center hosts a series of feature videos and interviews that delve into her upbringing and journey to Alabama.
In sum, Doris Lemngole’s ascent to the Honda Sports Award finalist list is more than an individual triumph—it is a testament to the collective strength of the Crimson Tide program and a beacon for future athletes who aspire to combine sporting excellence with purposeful advocacy. As she prepares for the next chapter in her career, the university and its supporters stand behind her, confident that she will continue to break barriers both on and off the track.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/alabama/all-things-bama/doris-lemngole-selected-finalist-honda-sport-award-roll-call ]
