Utah’s top athletes honored at 2025 Governor’s State of Sport Awards

Haley Batten at the State of Sport Awards on April 4, 2025 Hosted by Utah Sports Commission. Photo: Melissa Majchrzak

Park City's Haley Batten was honored as professional female athlete of the year and Winter Vinecki, also a Parkite, was recognized as Olympic female athlete of the year.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Utah’s sports community gathered Thursday at the Delta Center for the 13th Annual Governor’s State of Sport Awards, celebrating the athletes, coaches, and teams that defined the past year in Utah sports.

The event, hosted by the Utah Sports Commission, recognized 14 honorees across various categories. Governor Spencer J. Cox highlighted 2024 as a transformative year for sports in Utah, citing the return of the Utah Royals, the launch of the Utah Hockey Club, and the awarding of the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“As governor, it’s an honor to recognize Utah’s incredible athletes at the State of Sport Awards,” Cox said.

The event also marked 25 years of the Utah Sports Commission, which has played a key role in shaping Utah’s sports industry.

“The State of Sport Awards has become a signature event for celebrating Utah’s dynamic sports landscape,” said Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission.

The ceremony featured Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, a former BYU player and coach, as a special guest. Additionally, Utah Olympians and Paralympians who competed at the Paris 2024 Summer Games were recognized.

Haley Batten, who grew up in Park City, delivered a historic 2024 season, claiming Olympic silver in Paris despite an early mechanical setback—Team USA’s best-ever mountain bike finish. She also claimed gold at the UCI World Championships in the XCO Mixed Team Relay, along with World Cup victories in Brazil (XCO, XCC) and American Continental titles. A two-time Olympian, Batten’s journey began with a national title at 14, paving the way for an elite career.

Winter Vinecki, also a Parkite, also had a standout 2024 season. She won three World Cups in women’s aerials (Changchun, Deer Valley, Lac-Beauport)  won the 2024 Changchun World Cup Mixed Aerials Team event as is the 2025 U.S. National Champion. She ended her 2024 season ranked 2nd in the world.

2025 State of Sport Award Winners

• Event of the Year – Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural game, a sold-out victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Highlight of the Year – The official announcement that Utah will host the 2034 Winter Games.
• Team of the Year – The Utah Archers, who won back-to-back Premier Lacrosse League titles.
• Coach of the Year – Diljeet Taylor, a two-time NCAA Coach of the Year, who has led BYU to multiple national championships.
• Professional Male Athlete of the Year – Diego Luna, who became the youngest MLS All-Star in Real Salt Lake history.
• Professional Female Athlete of the Year – Haley Batten, a Paris 2024 silver medalist in mountain biking.
• Olympic Male Athlete of the Year – Kenneth Rooks, who won silver in the 3,000m steeplechase.
• Olympic Female Athlete of the Year – Winter Vinecki, a four-time World Cup gold medalist in aerial skiing.
• Adaptive Male Athlete of the Year – David Blair, a three-time Paralympian and discus world-record holder.
• Adaptive Female Athlete of the Year – Alejandra Ibáñez, a two-time Paralympic medalist in wheelchair basketball.
• Collegiate Male Athlete of the Year – JaQuavious Harris, a five-time national champion sprinter.
• Collegiate Female Athlete of the Year – Maile O’Keefe, a record-breaking Utah gymnast with four NCAA titles.
• High School Male Athlete of the Year – Emerson Geilman, who led his team to a 5A football state championship.
• High School Female Athlete of the Year – Emilee Skinner, a Duke commit and three-time state champion in basketball.

For more information and photos from the event, visit the Utah Sports Commission website.