Word can get out slowly about Gatorade player of the year awards — even if you win it.

Michele Murphy might have been surprised to be contacted by the Tribune about being named Utah Gatorade Girls' Soccer Player of the Year, but she was nonetheless pleased.

"I'm shocked, actually," she said. "What an honor it is. I'm so grateful."

Gatorade announced its selection of the Alta senior forward on Thursday. Murphy was nothing short of a goal-scoring machine, knocking in 37 for the Hawks as they made a run through the Class 5A playoffs. Her goal in the title game turned out to be the difference in a 1-0 victory against Viewmont, and she was the Tribune's 5A player of the year.

Murphy's 3.84 GPA and service as Primary Children's Medical Center also contributed to her selection, according to a company news release.

The news added to what already has been a great month for Murphy. On Feb. 1, she fulfilled a longtime dream when she signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at BYU.

"We had a party at my house, and my family was there," she said. "It was a lot of fun."

Murphy has hardly had a quiet offseason — she's playing with her Olympic Montreux club team and also running on her own. She anticipates her BYU coaches will send her workout instructions in the coming weeks.

In winning the award, Murphy becomes the third Alta player in six years to be so honored. Megan Ohai was the honoree for the 2006 season, and Kealia Ohai won in both 2007 and 2008.

— Kyle Goon
kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon