All-Time Big West NCAA Woman of the Year Nominees
The Big West is proud to recognize it's pairing of student-athletes as its official nominees for the 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year award. Both women have built exceptional careers marked by athletic excellence, academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community service. 

Each year, NCAA member schools nominate graduating female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves on and off the field of play. From there, the NCAA Woman of the Year selection process narrows the pool to the Top 30 honorees—10 from each division—before selecting three finalists from each division. The award recipient is chosen by the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics and honored at the NCAA Convention. 

The Big West conference nominees for 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year are: 

• Isabella Cruz, Cal State Fullerton soccer
• Bernadette Doyle, Hawai'i water polo

"We are so proud of Bernadette Doyle and Isabella Cruz — not just for what they've accomplished, but for who they are. These two remarkable women have led with courage, compassion, and conviction," said Big West commissioner Dan Butterly. "Whether it's Bernadette representing her country on the world stage or mentoring teammates through adversity, or Isabella using her voice to lift others as a student-leader and role model, they have inspired everyone around them. The NCAA Woman of the Year honor is one of the most meaningful recognitions in college athletics, and The Big West is honored to have two such extraordinary nominees carrying our banner forward."

Established in 1991, the NCAA Woman of the Year award is now in its 34th year. To be eligible, nominees must have competed in an NCAA-sponsored sport, earned a varsity letter, and completed their undergraduate degree by Summer 2024. Our duo exemplifies the best of The Big West and represents the spirit of this prestigious national honor. 

"Isabella Cruz and Bernadette Doyle truly show what it means to lead with heart, grit, and purpose. Their journeys — filled with hard work, big wins, and real impact — are a reminder of how powerful college athletics can be," said Big West assistant commissioner (Compliance & Student-Athlete Engagement) Angie Allen. "As NCAA Woman of the Year nominees, they're not just being recognized for what they've accomplished, but for how they've lifted up others along the way. The Big West is proud to cheer them on and excited to see their stories celebrated on a national level." 
 

Isabella Cruz

 

"I'm incredibly humbled and grateful to be nominated for this award. Being a college athlete has honestly been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It has taught me so much about who I am both on and off the field and has allowed me to be part of something bigger than myself. Coming from a small town to playing in The Big West, I have learned that hard work, faith, and sticking to your values can take you places you never thought possible. The biggest growth did not come from awards or highlights, but from the early mornings, tough practices, setbacks, and the amazing people who have supported me along the way. The journey has shown me that success is not just about what you achieve, but the person you become in the process. I hope to keep learning, give back whenever I can, and remind others that real impact comes from staying humble and dedicated to whatever you pursue."

A second-generation Latina and standout student-athlete, Cruz has exemplified excellence both on and off the field. Cruz completed a bachelor's degree in communications in just 2.5 years, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.9 GPA, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Professional Communications while competing in her final season of NCAA eligibility. As a team captain for the CSUF women's soccer program, Cruz has led with integrity, building a team culture centered on inclusivity, support, and growth. 

Beyond athletics, Cruz serves as the team's representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), advocating for the student-athlete experience across campus. Her commitment to service is evident through her volunteer work with Football for Her, campus engagement efforts like promoting voter participation, and community-driven initiatives such as food drives and holiday gift collections. 

In addition to her academic and service contributions, Cruz has gained hands-on experience in sports marketing as an intern with Orange County Soccer Club, and currently serves as the social media manager for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), using digital storytelling to foster connection and purpose. 

The nomination for NCAA Woman of the Year reflects a deep commitment to empowering others through sport, education, and leadership. She continues to be a role model for young athletes—especially women from underrepresented backgrounds—proving what's possible when passion meets purpose. 

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Bernadette Doyle

 

"I used to think strength meant doing it all alone...but through my injury, grief, and growth, I've learned true strength is found in connection. It is about showing up for others and letting them also show up for you. My journey as a student athlete has taught me that leadership is not about medals, but about service, compassion, and helping others believe in themselves. Sport gave me purpose when life felt fragile, and now I want to give back by creating space for others to grow into who they are meant to be."

Originally from New Zealand, Doyle's story is rooted in resilience. At just 12 years old, her mother's cancer diagnosis changed her life, sparking a commitment to live with intention and make a difference through sport. That mission carried her across the globe to pursue Division I water polo at UH Manoa. After a promising start, Doyle endured major setbacks, including a fractured tailbone, the loss of her grandmother, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Doyle briefly returned home to support her family but later made the courageous decision to return to Hawai'i in 2023 to finish what was started — not just as a player, but as a mentor and leader. 

During her final year, she excelled in the classroom with a perfect 4.0 GPA while completing her Master of Science in Marketing Management. The attacker became a pillar for her team — checking in on teammates, guiding younger players (including her sister), and fostering a culture of support. Her service extended beyond the university, coaching youth water polo, volunteering for wildfire relief efforts in Maui, and working with children affected by retinoblastoma. 

Now preparing for a career in the aquatic industry, Doyle hopes to continue uplifting others by mentoring the next generation of athletes. Her nomination reflects the core values of the NCAA Woman of the Year award, celebrating academic success, athletic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community. 

Read more about our pairing of conference nominees alongside our institutional nominees here.