11th annual Governor’s State of Sport Awards celebrates Utah’s athletic excellence
Salt Lake City, UT (April 13, 2023) — On April 13th, the 11th annual Governor’s State of Sport Awards, presented by Intermountain Health and Zions Bank and hosted by Utah Sports Commission, brought the biggest names in sport to Vivint Arena.
“Utah is home to some of the most talented athletes and thrilling sporting events,” said Governor Spencer J. Cox. “The Governor’s State of Sport Awards is an opportunity to recognize all of their hard work and dedication and celebrate accomplishments. We are proud to continue this annual tradition of honoring the best in The State of Sport.”
This year’s State of Sport Awards also aimed to raise awareness on the impact mental health has in sport. The athlete-led discussion was moderated by short track speed skater Apolo Ohno and included snowboarder Shaun White and Paralympic swimmer Jessica Long.
“The Utah Sports Commission is joining Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s anti stigma campaign,” said Utah Sports Commission President and CEO Jeff Robbins. “Hearing this panel’s personal stories and expertise is the first step in engaging athletes in our efforts to destigmatize mental health.”
Honorees of the 11th annual Governor’s State of Sport Awards:
Legacy Award – Al Mansell
Utah native Al Mansell has been a driving force for decades in helping create the State of Sport. As a longtime state senator, Mansell was a pioneer in recognizing the value that sport brought to Utah… FULL STORY
Legacy Award – Bob Garff
An incredible advocate of sport and Olympics, Robert “Bob” Garff was a founding board member of the Utah Sports Commission, chairman of the 2002 Salt Lake Organizing Committee, and owner of the Utah Blaze – professional arena football team (2006-2013)… FULL STORY
State of Sport Award – Natalie Williams
An All-American in both volleyball and basketball at UCLA, Taylorsville High School star Natalie Williams played seven seasons in the WNBA. The Utah Starzz selected Williams with the number three overall pick in the 1999 draft… FULL STORY
State of Sport Award – Apolo Ohno
One of the most electrifying moments of 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City came with the first career gold medal for short track speed skater Apolo Ohno, winning the 1500m… FULL STORY
High School Female Athlete of the Year – Teya Sidberry
An all-time scoring leader in Utah High School basketball history, Teya Sidberry scored 2,536 career points to break the state record held since 1994… FULL STORY
High School Male Athlete of the Year – Jackson Brousseau
A Colorado State football commit, Jackson Brousseau is a three-sport letterman and four-time state champion in football, baseball, and basketball… FULL STORY
Collegiate Female Athlete of the Year – Courtney Wayment
In the pouring rain, at Division 1 Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Courtney Wayment ran a 9:16.00 3000m steeplechase… FULL STORY
Collegiate Male Athlete of the Year – Clark Phillips III
A quarterback’s worst enemy, Clark Phillips III is an instinctive cornerback, who helped Utah Football win its second-straight Pac-12 title and earn a return trip to the Rose Bowl… FULL STORY
Team of the Year – University of Utah Ski Team
In 2022, on home snow at Park City Mountain and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, the University of Utah Ski Team won its third consecutive and 15th all-time national championship… FULL STORY
Coach of the Year – Kyle Whittingham
After 18 years, Kyle Whittingham has built one of the most consistent programs in the country with an identity that never gives an inch. There is no quit and no off-season for a Whittingham-coached team… FULL STORY
Lewis Feild Memorial Award – Scott Anderson
A cowboy at heart, Zions Bank President and CEO Scott Anderson is one of the longtime supporters of Utah’s Days of ‘47 Rodeo… FULL STORY
Professional Female Athlete of the Year – Gina Magana
The U.S. Women’s Tackle National Team defeated Great Britain 42-14 in the gold medal game at the 2022 International Federation of American Football Women’s World Championship… FULL STORY
Professional Male Athlete of the Year – Tony Finau
Tony Finau clinched back-to-back victories at the 3M Open and Rocket Mortgage Classic – the third and fourth PGA TOUR victories of his career. He followed up with a win at the Cadence Bank Houston Open… FULL STORY
Adaptive Athlete of the Year – Matthew Brewer
A chance encounter with ski racer Stephani Victor changed Matthew Brewer’s trajectory. Hearing of her Paralympic success prompted a move to Utah, training with the National Ability Center, earning Athlete of the Year award in 2020-21… FULL STORY
Olympic Team of the Year – Aerials Gold Medalists
Team USA finished with 338.34 points to claim the first United States Olympic gold medal in aerials freestyle skiing since Nagano in 1998… FULL STORY
Highlight of the Year – UFC “The Kick Heard ‘Round the World”
With one kick, Leon Edwards changed the modern face of UFC, ending the longest active winning streak in the promotion and the second-longest streak in UFC history… FULL STORY
Event of the Year – IRONMAN World Championship
Following a two-year hiatus, the IRONMAN World Championship returned. The delayed 2021 edition took place in St. George – the first outside Hawaii since its origin in 1978… FULL STORY
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About Utah Sports Commission
The Utah Sports Commission was created to be a catalyst for Utah in its Olympic legacy efforts and to help enhance Utah’s economy, image, and quality of life through the attraction, promotion, and development of national and international sports. Since the 2002 Olympics and Paralympics, the Utah Sports Commission has attracted over 1000 major events to the state. The Sports Commission works closely with communities, sports entities, and organizations to provide event services ranging from the bid process, on-site logistics, volunteer coordination, sponsorships and promotional opportunities, and other related services. It is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 business league and Utah Sports Commission Foundation, a not-for-profit 501c3 charitable organization, is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of statewide sports, business, community, and government leaders. For more information, visit www.utahsportscommission.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.