Alex VejarTwo players from the Utah Royals FC were named co-recipients of the Pro Female Athlete of the Year award by the Utah Sports Commission, the organization announced Monday.
Christen Press and Kelley O’Hara won the award, and in doing so were the first Royals players ever selected for the honor.
Press and O’Hara were teammates on the U.S. Women’s National Team that won the 2019 Women’s World Cup last summer, marking their second consecutive World Cup title. Press led the national team with 12 assists during the tournament.
For the Royals, Press scored eight goals in just 14 games, which was second on the team. Amy Rodriguez led the team in 2019 with nine goals.
O’Hara missed much of the tail end of Utah’s season with an injury, but played all six games in the World Cup. She was named to the FIFA FIFPro Best XI team.
Press made the NWSL Best XI, while O’Hara made the Second XI.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Kelley O'Hara, shakes hands with Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupskie, as she is given a key to the city, as the Mayor honors Royals FC, and US National Women's soccer team players, Christen Press, Becky Sauerbrunn and Kelley O'Hara, during a ceremony honoring her for them for their part in the US National Women's World Cup win, at the City and County Building, Monday, July 22, 2019.
