Lila Galeai named Utah Golf Association Women’s Player of the Year

SALT LAKE CITY — BYU women’s golfer Lila Galeai was named the Women’s Player of the Year by the Utah Golf Association Thursday.

"I am so proud of Lila and her accomplishments," said BYU Head Coach Carrie Roberts. "She has worked very hard, and it payed off. She played some really great golf this summer, and it was fun to see her dominate. I am excited for her to be recognized for how well she played."

Galeai took home the highest honor in Utah golf after a summer in which she captured both the Utah Women’s State Amateur Championship and the Utah Women’s Stroke Play Championship.

The BYU freshman graduated early from Lehi High School last December in order to play for the Cougars during the 2020 spring season. During her first season, she posted three top-20 finishes, including two in the top-15 and one top-10.

The experience of playing during the COVID-19-altered 2021 season prepared her for a successful summer of golf where she collected three wins at the Utah Women’s Four-ball Championship, Utah Women’s State Amateur and Utah Women’s Stroke Play. 

Her summer success rolled into the 2021 fall season where Galeai has posted three top-25 finishes in four events.

She was the runner-up at the Dick McGuire Invitational in New Mexico, finished third at the Dale McNamara Invitational in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and tied for 20th at the Mercedes Benz Collegiate Championship in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Galeai and the Cougars will begin their 2022 spring season when they tee it up in January.