BYU to host annual Y-Awards on BYU Sports Nation

PROVO, Utah — BYU prepares to celebrate its successful 2021-22 athletic year by honoring teams, student athletes and coaches with its annual Y-Awards in a special episode of BYU Sports Nation on BYUtv.

Airing on Thursday, July 21, beginning at 10 a.m. MST, the episode will feature interviews with select award-winning athletes and coaches.

Winners for the men's and women's team of the year and head coach of the year will be announced live on the show. The following athletes and coaches are finalists for the remaining awards:

Female Athlete of the Year
Given to the female athlete who demonstrates the competitive spirit of desire, dedication, and determination, leading her to the top of competition and serving as an inspiration to both teammates and fans.

• Mikayla Colohan, Soccer
• Shaylee Gonzales, Basketball
• Kenzie Koerber, Volleyball
• Whittni Orton, Cross Country (2020 winner)
• Ashton Riner, Track & Field
• Courtney Wayment, Track & Field (2021 winner)
• Violet Zavodnik, Softball

Female Rookie of the Year
Female freshman student athlete who contributes the most in her true freshman or red-shirt freshman year.

• Cailee Faulkner, Track & Field
• Eliza Millar, Gymnastics
• Olivia Smith, Soccer

Female Crowd Pleaser
Athlete whose enthusiasm and outstanding performance have given extra excitement to the crowd.

• Paisley Harding, Basketball
• Cameron Tucker, Soccer
• Violet Zavodnik, Softball

Lu Wallace Outstanding Senior
Senior who has most clearly demonstrated high athletic and academic performance and sportsmanship.

• Mikayla Colohan, Soccer
• Kenzie Koeber, Volleyball
• Taylei Williams, Softball

Leona Holbrook Spirit of Sport
Senior female athlete whose participation best exemplifies the true spirit of sport in athletics and life.

• Maria Albiero, Basketball
• Leah Heimuli, Tennis
• Cassidy Smith, Soccer
• Courtney Wayment, Track & Field

Male Athlete of the Year
Given to the male athlete who demonstrates the competitive spirit of desire, dedication, and determination, leading him to the top of competition and serving as an inspiration to both teammates and fans.

• Tyler Allgeier, Football
• Alex Barcello, Basketball
• Davide Gardini, Volleyball
• Conner Mantz, Cross Country (2020-21 co-winner with Zach Wilson)

Male Rookie of the Year
Male freshman student athlete who contributes the most in his true freshman or red-shirt freshman year.

• Campbell Barrington, Football
• Tanner Nelson, Swim & Dive
• Ozzie Pratt, Baseball
• Kenneth Rooks, Track & Field
• Fousseyni Traore, Basketball

Male Crowd Pleaser of the Year
Athlete whose enthusiasm and outstanding performance have given extra excitement to the crowd.

• Zach McWhorter, Track & Field
• Puka & Samson Nacua, Football
• Jon Stanley, Volleyball
• Fousseyni Traore, Basketball

Ed Stein Outstanding Senior
Senior who has most clearly demonstrated high athletic and academic performance and sportsmanship.

• James Empey, Football
• Conner Mantz, Cross Country
• Colten Yardley, Track & Field

Dale R. McCann Spirit of Sport
Senior male athlete whose participation best exemplifies the true spirit of sport in athletics and life.

• James Empey, Football
• Javier Matta, Swim & Dive
• Mitch McIntyre, Baseball
• Jon Stanley, Volleyball

Comeback Athlete of the Year
Male or female who has overcome incredible odds to succeed as a Cougar athlete.

• Cole Gambill, Baseball
• Annick Haczkiewicz, Women's Golf
• Sadie Miner-Van Tassell, Gymnastics
• Ashton Riner, Women's Track & Field
• Cassidy Smith, Soccer

Walk-on of the Year
One non-scholarship athlete (male or female) at BYU who plays a significant role on his or her team.

• Jacob Boren, Football
• Sebastian Fernandez, Men's Track & Field
• Noa Haine, Men's Volleyball

Cougar Club Memorial Award
Outstanding junior male or female athlete with high scholarly achievement.

• Casey Clinger, (Men's Track & Field)
• Bella Folino, (Women's Soccer)
• Brigham Harrison, (Men's Swim & Dive)
• Dallin Vorkink, (Men's Track & Field)

Assistant Coach of the Year

• ​Niklas Arrhenius, Track & Field
• ​David Hyte, Women's Volleyball
• ​Steve Magleby, Soccer
• ​Todd Miller, Men's Golf
• ​Jonny Neeley, Women's Volleyball