Cindy Daws
1996 MAC Hermann Trophy Winner
College: University of Notre Dame
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: West Hills, Los Angeles, CA
During Daws' four years at Notre Dame from 1993-96, the Irish compiled an 87-8-3 record. She scored the biggest goal in Notre Dame history, connecting on a free kick in triple overtime in the 1995 NCAA title game against Portland to give the Irish a 1-0 victory and their first NCAA national championship. She ended her career with a school-record 61 goals and 67 assists for a school-record 189 points.
Upon her arrival as a freshman in 1993, Daws led the Irish to their first-ever NCAA appearance and was the only freshman to earn All-America honors. As a sophomore, she recovered from a broken foot that she suffered while playing with the U.S. national team to finish second in the balloting for both the Hermann Trophy and the MAC award while leading the Irish to their first NCAA championship game appearance.
She also was a finalist for the Hermann and the MAC award as a junior despite missing the first four games of the season recovering from foot surgery. She was named the offensive MVP of the NCAA semifinals and final with her goal against Portland. While becoming Notre Dame's all-time leading scorer as a senior, Daws was named the most outstanding player of the BIG EAST championship and led the Irish to their third straight NCAA title game appearance. She capped off her career by claiming the Hermann Trophy and MAC award.
Though she played professionally in Japan for a year after graduating, Daws quickly turned her attention to the business side of the game, working for nine years in marketing for the soccer and volleyball categories at Wilson Sporting Goods.