Emile Joseph "Jace" Lacoste IV was the older brother and hero of Paul Lacoste, and according to Paul, is the driving force behind his unyielding determination to succeed. On August 30, 1995, while on his way to Starkville to see Paul make his first start at middle linebacker for the Bulldogs, Jace was involved in a car accident and died shortly thereafter. He was 28.

Jace was well known for his many accomplishments on and off the athletic field. A 1990 cum laude graduate of Mississippi State, Jace was an All-SEC decathlete, president of the M-club and member of the MSU Hall of Fame. He was also a student senator, an All-SEC Scholar-Athlete, and a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa and Blue Key Honor Societies. Jace went on to receive his Masters degree in Business Administration from Millsaps College in 1993 and was preparing to enroll in the University of Mississippi Physical Therapy program at the time of his death.

Although very accomplished in his short 28 years, Jace is most remembered by those who loved him for his infectious smile, his larger-than-life personality and his ability to live life to the fullest. Jace was blessed not only with God-given talent, he also had something even better to go along with it - he had heart. When Jace did something, he put every ounce of dedication he had into it - whether it was studying, throwing a discus, or letting his family and friends know how much he loved them. Jace was not just a hero to Paul, he was a hero to most who knew him. That is why the Jace Lacoste Ahlete of the Year award is given to our most highly regarded athlete. Only one that possesses these characteristics is deemed worthy of what is Paul Lacoste Sports most prestigious award.