BYU Leads First Annual Governor Awards

SALT LAKE CITY - The first annual Governor State of Sport Awards Show kicked off in Salt Lake City, Thursday, with BYU's athletes, coaches and their performances headlining the event.

BYU athletes and/or coaches received every award they were nominated for, comprising six of the seven that were given out.

Former men's basketball player Jimmer Fredette stole the show, receiving three awards for his performance in his senior year with BYU. Fredette was named College-Pro Athlete of the Year (Male), received recognition for his role in BYU's victory against Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament and had his 3-pointer against the University of Utah dubbed the Play of the Year. Fredette was named the NCAA Player of the Year in 2011, received four different National Player of the Year awards, and became BYU's all-time career scoring leader and single-game scoring leader.

Women's soccer player Carlee Payne was named College-Pro Athlete of the Year (Female) for her outstanding junior season with the soccer team where she moved up to 11th place all-time in BYU history for total goals, leading the team with nine assists and placing sixth in the WCC for her points per game. Payne also became a three-time NCAA All-West Region recipient.

"It's an honor to be here among these other outstanding athletes," Payne said. "I want to thank my parents and coaches for their support. I wouldn't be here without them."

Men's basketball head coach Dave Rose was named Coach of the Year after leading the team to its first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 1981 in the 2010-11 season and being named a NCAA Coach of the Year finalist. Rose's team set a new school record for most season wins with 32 and earned itself a No. 3 national ranking during the season.

"I'm honored to receive this prestigious award," Rose said. "It's a compliment to our players and our coaching staff for their hard work and dedication to the BYU basketball program. I feel very fortunate to work with such a dedicated group of people."

Women's basketball player Lexi Eaton received the High School Athlete of the Year (Female) for her accolades at Springville High School. Eaton was named a Parade All-American in her senior year, was the leading scorer in the state of Utah, totaled 1,697 career points for a school record and was also named Female Athlete of the Year in 2010 and 2011.

"This is a great honor for me," Eaton said. "I'm excited to be here and am lucky to receive this award."

Along with awards given out, those in attendance were able to hear from Jeff Robbins, President & CEO of the Utah Sports Commision, and the Governor of the state of Utah, Gary R. Herbert. NBA Commissioner David Stern was also in attendance to provide the Keynote address to close out the festivities.

"Nowhere else do fans love sports as much as they do in Utah," Stern said.