DENVER (KDVR) — The year 2024 has truly been a remarkable one for sports in Colorado, with a wealth of talent including two MVPs from major professional leagues, a Heisman Trophy winner, and a standout athlete from Volleyball to secondary level.
As the state celebrates its achievements, including a world champion high jumper, its first national title in college golf, and a rising star in college basketball, the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame prepares to honor athletes from the year 2024.
The induction gala is scheduled for April 9 at the Hilton Denver City Center, located at 1701 California St.
On the professional front, NBA MVP Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and NHL MVP Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche have both received the prestigious Most Valuable Player title in their sports. Remarkably, they are only the second MVP duo from the same city to achieve this honor simultaneously, a distinction first held by basketball legend Magic Johnson and hockey icon Wayne Gretzky in 1989, representing Los Angeles.
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Jokić, with his second NBA MVP, and MacKinnon, who won the Hart Memorial Trophy, rightfully earned their recognition as Colorado’s 2024 Professional Athletes of the Year.
Meanwhile, college athletes also shined, with a Heisman Trophy winner, a stellar golf season, and an impressive basketball star.
Colorado Buffaloes player Travis Hunter stood out on both sides of the ball, amassing 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and a record 15 touchdown receptions. Defensively, he recorded four interceptions and deflected 11 passes.
CSU Pueblo’s Alisha Little also made a name for herself, becoming the only Division II basketball player to surpass 600 points, 300 rebounds, and 100 blocks last season. Additionally, she led her division with 24 double-doubles and averaged 3.6 blocks per game.
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-Hunter and Little were honored as the 2024 College Athletes of the Year, while the Colorado Christian University men’s golf team was dubbed “King of the Hill” after their historic season, winning the national title of Division II—the school’s first team championship.
High school sports were also incredibly successful, featuring a world champion high jumper and an outstanding female volleyball player.
De Beque native Scottie Vines concluded his high school career with notable accomplishments, winning two national titles at the Nike Outdoor Nationals and the USA Track & Field U20 Championships, capped by a gold medal at the World Championships U20, where he achieved a personal best. He established himself as the best high school high jumper in the country and began to make a name for himself at the University of Arkansas.
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On the volleyball front, Valor Christian School’s Chloe Elarton received accolades for her contributions, leading her team to a state championship and earning a spot on the MaxPreps Junior All-America team. She was also named Colorado’s Volleyball Player of the Year by Gatorade, cementing her reputation as one of the nation’s best passers.
Adding to the accolades, Jeff Clark will receive this year’s Athlete with a Disability Award from the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. Competing in Special Olympics Colorado for more than three decades, Clark has showcased his talents in a variety of sports, including flag football, swimming, tennis, basketball and track and field.
Clark credits his Special Olympics journey for shaping his life and enriching his experiences beyond just competition. “I don’t think I would be where I am today without the Special Olympics,” he expressed.
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