The StarTribune sports staff has been naming a Sportsperson of the Year since 1998. Printed courtesy of the Star-Tribune. Names appearing in RED are links for those that were speakers at Twin Cities Dunkers.2020: Eric KendricksThe Vikings linebacker turned his private work into public activism after the killing of George Floyd. 2019: Nelson CruzThe veteran slugger brought clout to the Twins, on the field and in the clubhouse. 2018: Maggie NicholsThe Little Canada native dominated the NCAA gymnastics championships as Oklahoma’s star — three months after courageously revealing herself as “Athlete A,” the first source in the USA Gymnastics sexual-abuse scandal. 2017: Cheryl ReeveThe coach behind the united, thoughtful, powerful Minnesota Lynx led the franchise to its fourth WNBA title in seven years. 2016: Jeff HinzAs the Ryder Cup tournament director at Hazeltine National, he organized one of the greatest sporting events in Minnesota history. 2015: Maya MooreHit a Finals Game 3 buzzer-beater, and many more big shots in the playoffs, to lead the Lynx to their third WNBA title. 2014: Mike GrantVeteran Eden Prairie football coach won his fourth consecutive state title and 10th overall. 2013: Gopher Women's HockeyProduced a 41-0 record, an NCAA championship and a 62-game winning streak over two seasons. 2012: Adrian PetersonRushed for 2,097 yards, second most in NFL history, and was named the league’s MVP, leading the Vikings to a 10-6 regular-season record and their first playoff berth in three years. 2011: Seimone AugustusAfter two years of misfortune, the Lynx star dug deep and inspired her team to a WNBA title. 2010: Earl SanteeThe architect of Target Field turned an urban parking lot into the “best ballpark in America.” 2009: Brett FavreFuture Hall of Famer led the Vikings to a 12-4 regular season and into the NFC Championship Game. At age 40, Favre completed 68% of his passes. 2008: Lindsey VonnShe became the most successful downhill skier in U.S. history and the first American woman in 25 years to win the World Cup overall title. 2007: Adrian PetersonThe Vikings rookie set the single-game rushing record with 296 yards in his eighth game. 2006: Minnesota TwinsA playoff team with a Cy Young Award winner (Johan Santana), an MVP (Justin Morneau) and a batting champion (Joe Mauer) also got approval for a stadium. 2005: Greg EslingerAll-America center and all-time Gophers great won the Outland Trophy, given to the country’s best interior lineman. 2004: Lindsay WhalenDriving force behind the Gophers women’s basketball program reaching the Final Four. 2003: John GagliardiThe St. John’s legend earned his 409th victory on Nov. 8, 2003, becoming college football’s winningest coach, and his team won the NCAA Division III title. 2002: Harry CrumpHennepin County judge issued a restraining order that kept the Twins out of MLB’s contraction plans. 2001: Joe MauerThree-sport star at Cretin-Durham Hall was one of the state’s all-time great high school athletes before he put on a Twins uniform. 2000: Jac SperlingThe Wild’s chief executive led the NHL back to Minnesota and started the rally to build Xcel Energy Center. 1999: Glen MasonThe Gophers’ most successful football season in three decades (culminating with a Sun Bowl matchup against Oregon) earned him Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. 1998: Randall CunninghamOut of football before joining the Vikings as a backup quarterback, he led the team to a 15-1 regular season at the age of 35. Note: Candidates are nominated by the Star Tribune sports department. A selection committee of staff members makes the final choice. |