SALT LAKE CITY/HERRIMAN, Utah (Tuesday, March 24, 2026) - The Utah Sports Commission announced today that URFC forward Mina Tanaka will be recognized as the 2026 Female Professional Athlete of the year. Tanaka and several other honorees will be awarded at the State of Sport Awards on Wednesday, April 8th in downtown Salt Lake City.

Tanaka has been away from her NWSL squad to the start of the 2026 season, fulfilling her role as a key player for the Japanese Women’s National Team. Most recently, she represented her country in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup this March, where Japan defeated host nation Australia 1–0 to claim a third title for Japan. 

It didn’t take long for the Japanese powerhouse to establish herself as the heartbeat of URFC’s attack, making an immediate impact in 2025, her first full season outside of Japan. Her standout campaign earned her team MVP, Offensive Player of the Year and the Golden Boot, all voted on by her fellow Utah Royals teammates. The honors further solidified her importance to the young Utah squad. In 2025, Tanaka netted six goals and one assist while also earning herself NWSL honors...