Each year, Softball BC opens nominations for its Annual Awards, with the goal of recognizing the outstanding achievements, performances, and/or volunteerism of our members.
Categories & Criteria
Volunteer Category
a) Zeone Andrijaszyn Volunteer of the Year
Presented to members of our community who exhibit a nature of volunteerism for the benefit of Softball BC.
The nominated volunteer must be a resident of British Columbia during the period for which the outstanding performance is claimed.
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
Coach Category
a) Bryan Sask Coach of the Year
Must have coached and demonstrated excellence in one or more Provincial, Western Canadian or Canadian Championship, Canada Summer Games or the BC Summer Games, within the current season.
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
Must be a current resident of British Columbia for the period for which the outstanding performance is claimed.
b) Community Coach of the Year
Volunteer coach in a recreational league.
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
Must have demonstrated success, measured both in wins and in skill development and player retention.
Umpire Category
a) Official of the Year
Registered umpire with Softball BC.
Exhibited traits that elevate the game and its officiating.
Displays positivity, eagerness, and willingness to improve.
Respects all involved in the game and is a positive role model.
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
b) Rising Star
Registered umpire with Softball BC.
Demonstrates eagerness to improve, skill, and a positive attitude.
Respects all involved in the game and is a positive role model.
Recognizes an umpire with three years or less experience who shows potential for greatness.
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
Minor Athlete Category
a) Community Minor Athlete of the Year
Exemplary traits on the field, with teammates, and in their community.
Registered member of Softball BC.
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
Must have been rostered as a C level player.
b) Indigenous Minor Athlete of the Year
Exemplary traits on the field, with teammates, and in their community.
Must be of Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).
Registered member of Softball BC.
Relevant statistics/awards for year of nomination required.
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
Must have been rostered as an A, B, or C level player.
c) Rep Minor Athlete of the Year
Exemplary traits on the field, with teammates, and in their community.
Relevant statistics/awards for year of nomination required.
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
Registered member of Softball BC rostered with either an A or B level team.
Men’s and Women’s Athlete Categories
a) Men’s and/or Women’s Athlete of the Year
Exemplary traits on the field, with teammates, and in their community.
Registered member of Softball BC.
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
b) Indigenous Athlete of the Year
Exemplary traits on the field, with teammates, and in their community.
Must be of Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).
Registered member of Softball BC.
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
c) Men’s and/or Women’s Slo-Pitch Athlete of the Year
Exemplary traits on the field, with teammates, and in their community.
Registered member of Softball BC.
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
d) Masters Athlete of the Year
Represented Softball BC with distinction in BC and/or Canadian competition.
Must have an outstanding record with relevant records, titles, and stats.
Registered member of Softball BC (as defined in Operating Rules).
Cannot be a prior recipient of this award.
e) Athlete Resilience Award
Demonstrated resilience, overcoming health issues or injury to return to softball.
Registered member of Softball BC.
May participate in Minor or Men’s/Women’s fastpitch or slo-pitch.
Team Category
a) Master Team of the Year
Demonstrated exemplary effort and represented BC proudly in competition.
Must be a registered Softball BC team for the year of nomination.
b) Men’s and/or Women’s Fastpitch Team of the Year
Demonstrated exemplary effort and represented BC proudly in competition.
Must be a registered Softball BC team for the year of nomination.
c) Men’s and/or Women’s Slo-Pitch Team of the Year
Demonstrated exemplary effort and represented BC proudly in competition.
Must be a registered Softball BC team for the year of nomination.
d) Minor Team of the Year
Demonstrated exemplary effort and represented BC proudly in competition.
Must be a registered Softball BC team for the year of nomination.
Association Category
a) Association of the Year - Small
Association has 200 or fewer members.
Developed innovative ways of developing athletes while focusing on grassroots.
Built programs and/or events to support and showcase softball.
b) Association of the Year - Large
Association has more than 200 members.
Developed innovative ways of developing athletes while focusing on grassroots.
Built programs and/or events to support and showcase softball.
Selection Process
a) Nominations
Accepted annually from August 1 - October 1.
Any Softball BC Member, Team, Club, or Association may submit.
Nomination Package must include:
Detailed documentation of accomplishments
Contact info for both nominator and nominee
Biography of the nominee
Photos of the nominee
Letter of support
Written consent confirming the nominee’s awareness and agreement
For team nominations: full team roster
b) Selection
Nominations brought forward to the Board by October 15.
Board ratifies winners by November 1.
Winners notified no later than November 15.
Announcement & Award Presentation
Successful nominees formally announced on Softball BC’s website and social media.
Recipients receive a plaque of recognition at an event hosted by their Association, Club, or Team in the spring.
Service Awards
Each year, Softball BC recognizes the outstanding service and volunteerism demonstrated by our members.
Categories & Criteria
a) Men’s and Women’s Service Awards
Participant supporting a Men’s and/or Women’s league or community.
Positive voice for the game for at least 10 years.
Dedicated and active as a coach, mentor, trainer, or local sport organization executive.
b) Minor Service Awards
Positive voice for the game for at least 10 years.
Dedicated and active in the minor community as a coach, mentor, trainer, or local sport organization executive.
c) Umpire Service Award
Continuous positive role model for officiating softball.
Positive voice for the game for at least 10 years.
Respects all involved in the game.
d) Softball BC Volunteer Service Award
Not part of open nominations — tracked by Softball BC Staff.
Recognizes Coordinators, PODCs, and UICs for years of service.
Members receive pins for 5, 10, and 15 years of service.
e) Brian Joe Award - Sportsperson/Builder
Awarded to a member with at least 10 years of excellent service (not necessarily consecutive).
Must have served at Association, District, or Provincial level for at least 2 years.
Must be a current BC resident during period of performance.
Selection Process
a) Nominations
Accepted annually from August 1 - October 1.
Any Softball BC Member, Team, Club, or Association may submit.
Nomination Package must include:
Detailed documentation of accomplishments
Contact info for both nominator and nominee
Biography of the nominee
Photos of the nominee
Letter of support
Written consent confirming the nominee’s awareness and agreement
For team nominations: full team roster
b) Selection
Nominations brought forward to the Board by October 15.
Board ratifies winners by November 1.
Winners notified no later than November 15.
Announcement & Award Presentation
All successful nominees announced on Softball BC’s website and social media.
Recipients of Umpire, Minor, and Men’s/Women’s Service Awards receive a plaque of recognition at an event hosted by their Association, Club, or Team in the spring.
Recipients of the Volunteer Service Award receive 5, 10, or 15-year service pins.
Zeone Andrijaszyn Volunteer of the Year
Year
Recipient
2024
Joe Middleton
2023
Dallin Ziemer
Unsung Hero
Year
Recipient
2024
Sue Dawkins
2023
Benny Anthony
Official of the Year
Year
Recipient
2024
Mark Webster
2023
Kiera Hamm
2022
Tim Thiessen
2018
Terree Cochrane
2017
Nicholas Allen
2016
Frank Driedger
2015
Marni Bodnarchuk
2014
Scott McLaren
2013
Travis Orton
2012
Don Feidler
2011
Ian Brown
2010
Aaron Poulin
2009
2008
Susan Strafford
2007
Glenn Blake
2006
Keith Hazel
2005
Tonya Ribalkin
2004
Kelly Hunter
2003
Robert Henning
2000
Hans Troelsen
1999
Chris Lee
1998
Harry Mose
1997
Brian Van Os
1996
Mike Hornak
1995
Mike Hornak
1994
Mike Hornak
1993
Chris Lee
Rising Star
Year
Recipient
2024
Dana Edamura
2023
Makenzie Legge
Coach of the Year
Year
Recipient
2024
Bill Olexa, Coach of the Year
Nate Robertshaw, Community Coach of the Year
Gord Ringma, Community Coach of the Year
2023
Celine Yarwood, Coach of the Year
Kristin Sedore, Community Coach of the Year
2022
Chad Bryden, Coach of the Year
Graham Cousins, Community Coach of the Year
2018
Michelle Webster, Coach of the Year
Kandace Vollman, Community Coach of the Year
2017
Stan McKinlay, Coach of the Year
Lawrence Walker, Community Coach of the Year
2016
Cassidy Smyrski
2015
Coaching Staff of Surrey Storm 2001A
2014
Ted Birdsall
2013
Mark Dunlop
2012
Bill Olexa
2012
Amanda Phillip, Community Coach
2011
George Goddard
2010
Chuck Westgard
2009
Greg Banner
2008
Ken McCarthy
2007
Kevin Maycock
2006
Clint Marshall
2005
Bryan Sask
2004
Phil Thom
2003
Roland Tebbutt
2002
Kelly Stark
2001
Jerry Dugger
2000
Jerry Dugger
1999
Karen Mills
1998
Ron Warner
1997
Roy Cope
1996
Mike Woods
1995
Ron McMahon
1994
Mike Renney
1993
Kelly McGiffin
Brian Joe Award - Sportsperson/Builder
Year
Recipient
2023
Mike Cownden and Family
Minor Athlete of the Year
Year
Recipient
2024
Nolani Livingstone, Rep Minor Athlete of the Year
Jordyn Gibson, Indigenous Minor Athlete of the Year
Brooke Thom, Community Minor Athlete of the Year
2023
Morgan Reimer, Rep Minor Athlete of the Year
Andrea Adan, Community Minor Athlete of the Year
Jessica Strandlund, Indigenous Athlete of the Year
Bruce Jackson, Indigenous Minor Athlete of the Year - Boys
Hayleigh Mae Watts, Indigenous Minor Athlete of the Year - Girls
2022
Loa Heath, Community Minor Athlete of the Year
Nevada Johnson, Indigenous Minor Athlete of the Year
Riley Woodward, Rep Minor Athlete of the Year
2018
Madison Dewitt
2017
Grace Messmer
2016
Danielle de Ruiter
2015
Taylor Woodward
2014
Matt Van Eeuwen
2013
Tori Belton
2012
Chelsea Jenner
2012
Ryan Shields
2011
Sara Groenewegen
2010
Nicole Sidor
2009
Nicole Sidor
2008
Jessie Potskin
2007
Jessica Tieszen
2006
Bryan Abrey
2005
Danielle Lawrie
2004
Melanie Matthews
2003
Derek Mayson
2002
Rob McGiffin
2001
Erin Thomas
2000
Justin Neufeld
1999
Shanel Garofalo
1998
Troy Schuck
1997
Kathy Iggulden
1996
Erin Woods
1995
Brian Mayson
1994
Nick Underhill
1993
Dwayne Issac
Men's and/or Women's Athlete of the Year
Year
Recipient
2024
Angela Ashby, Indigenous Athlete of the Year
Montana Turnovitski, Women's Slo-Pitch Athlete of the Year
Dalen Mimeault, Men's Slo-Pitch Athlete of the Year
Kyla Benz, Women's Athlete of the Year
2023
Hillary Strelau. Men's and/ or Women's Athlete of the Year
Connor Prentice, Men's Slo-Pitch Athlete of the Year
Marnie Scow, Women's Slo-Pitch Athlete of the Year
2022
Chad Ghostkeeper, Indigenous Athlete of the Year
Maddy Jones, Fastpitch Athlete of the Year
Mitchell Rainer, Slo-Pitch Athlete of the Year
2018
Sara Riske, Female Athlete
Kris Walushka, Male Athlete
2017
Emma Entzminger
2016
Lisa Hayton
2015
Kyla Benz
2014
Sara Groenewegen
2013
Jaycee Affeldt
2012
No Award Given
2011
Courtney O’Connor
2010
Sara Hopwood
2009
Danielle Lawrie
2008
Marisa Litster
2007
Derek Mayson
2006
Chad Ghostkeeper
2005
Derek Mayson
2004
Trevor Johnstone
2003
Jim Lomax
2001
Sasha Olson
2000
Jackie Vanhooydonk Lance
1999
Doug Chase
1998
Erin Woods
1997
Kelly Shaw
1996
Kelly Kelland
1995
Korry Gareau
1994
Carrie Flemmer
1993
Candace Murray
Masters Athlete of the Year
Year
Recipient
2023
Kyle Minnabarriett
2022
Norm Linton
2011
Rich Haldane
2010
Rick Unrau
2009
Rich Haldane
2005
Lisa Hayton
2004
Andy Adamson
2003
Reg Underwood
2001
Leslie Berekoff-Duke
2000
No award given
1999
Earl Morris
1998
Reg Underwood
1997
Merle Johnson
1996
Julie Lindsay
1995
Earl Morris
1994
Pam Chewpoy
1993
Nick Miller
Minor Team of the Year
Year
Recipient
2024
Terrace U13 Mariners Boys
Fraser Valley Fusion 06a Girls
2023
Richmond Islanders 09B
2022
Terrace Mariners U17 Boys
2018
WR Renegades 2002
2017
Delta Heat 2001
2016
Surrey Storm 2001A
2015
Delta Heat 97
2014
WR Renegades 98
2013
Richmond Mariners U18
and
Fraser Valley Fusion ‘97
2012
Delta Heat 96
2011
WR Renegades 95
2010
Fleetwood Marlins
2009
WR Renegades 91
2008
Surrey Storm 90
2007
Sooke Smoke Midget A Boys
2006
Surrey Storm 90
2005
White Rock Renegades Midget
2004
Delta Heat 90
2003
Burnaby Oakeys 84
2002
Richmond Islanders ’83
2001
Burnaby Oakeys 82 Midget A Girls
2000
Burnaby Oakeys 82 Midget A Girls
1999
White Rock Renegades
1998
White Rock Renegades Midget A Girls
1997
Surrey Storm Midget A Girls
1996
White Rock Renegades Bantam A Girls
1995
Sports Traders Abbotsford Pee Wee A Boys
1994
White Rock Renegades Bantam A Girls
1993
White Rock Renegades Pee Wee A Girls
Men's and Women's Team of the Year
Year
Recipient
2024
Steveston Canadians - Men's Fastpitch
Svee Team - Women's Fastpitch
SIS Adrenaline - Slo-Pitch Women's
2023
SIS Adrenaline, Slo-Pitch - Women
Busdrivers, Slo-Pitch - Men
Surrey Storm, Men's and Women's Fastpitch
2022
PoCo Ravens, Fastpitch
Focus West Athletics, Slo-Pitch
2018
Delta Sunfire
2017
Team BC - Women
2016
No Award Given
2015
No Award Given
2014
No Award Given
2013
No Award Given
2012
No Award Given
2011
WR Renegades SR
2010
WR Renegades
2009
Boombah Destroyers
2008
Victoria Island Devils
2007
Vancouver Grey Sox Senior A Men
2006
North Delta Sunfire
2005
Central 9
2004
Vancouver Grey Sox
2003
Hi Test Slo-Pitch
2002
Vancouver Mariners Jr. A Men
2001
Victoria Traveler’s Inn
1999
Richmond Pride Jr. A
1998
Richmond Pride Jr. A Women
1997
Triple Play
1996
New West Mavericks Int. A Women
1995
Stan V. Wright Victoria SR. B
1994
Victoria Money Mart Jr. Men
1993
White Rock Renegades SR. A
Masters Team of the Year
Year
Recipient
2013
Victoria Masters
2012
No Award Given
2011
Richmond Stealers
2010
Ladner Masters
2009
Kamloops Sandman Inn Blazers
2005
Rossini’s Vancouver
2004
Wiley’s Angels FP
2003
Victoria Athletics FP
2001
Victoria Athletics
1999
Meralomas
1997
Oxy 40+ SP Men
1996
Victoria Knight
1995
Marigold Payless Men
1994
Victoria Payless Men
1993
MVP Association of the Year - Small
Year
Recipient
2024
Westside Minor Fastball Association
2023
Westside Minor Fastball Association
MVP Association of the Year - Large
Year
Recipient
2024
Cloverdale Minor Softball Association
2023
Abbotsford Minor Softball Association
Minor Coordinator of the Year
Year
Recipient
2024
Bill Hawkins
2023
Al Charlesworth
Men's and Women's Coordinator of the Year
Year
Recipient
2024
Diane MacPherson
2023
Tracey Oye
Minor Service Award Recipients
This award recognizes outstanding contributions by members within Softball B.C. who have excelled in service to the Minor community in our game.
The recipients of these awards are chosen by the Board of Directors during the September Board Meeting upon the recommendations of the Minor Director. The winners receive a framed certificate at the Annual General Meeting Banquet in October. Input and suggestions as to potential worthy recipients should be directed to the appropriate director.
Year
Recipients
2024
Elizabeth Lee
2023
Baukje Edamura
2022
Jerry Bains
2018
Nelson Hughes, District 9
2017
Sally Clayton, District 14
2016
No Award Given
2015
No Award Given
2014
No Award Given
2013
Wendi Bordelay, District 6
2012
Everett Worth, District 8
2011
No Award Given
2010
Nelson Hughes, District 1
Lavaughn Larson, District 7
Mona Anglin, District 8
2009
Tracey Oye, District 7
Bernie Penner, District 9
Kim McCarthy, District 13
2008
Cheryle Flundra
Don Markwart
2007
Norm Johnson, District 1
Bob Buchan, District 14
Rob Upton, District 7
2006
Len Chin, Vancouver
2005
Rick Benson, Surrey
Mike Woods, Richmond
2004
Rick Williams, Delta
Glen Stanley, Barriere
2003
Deb Rieger, Kelowna
Chris Chong, New Westminster
Greg Timm, Surrey
2002
Larry Morrison, Richmond
Colleen Moffat, Delta
2001
Brian & Peggy Trenzek,Burnaby
2000
Ralph & Janet Van Nes, Surrey
1999
Don Markwart, Kitimat
1998
Barry Holden, Vancouver
Ann Holmes, Vernon
Gary Ardiel, Victoria
1997
Roxy Abernethy, Burnaby
Dale Bartolo, Nanaimo
Everett Worth, Chilliwack
1995
Ron Hebert, Surrey
Pat Steibli, Richmond
1994
Vic Buteau, Terrace
Bill Mattenley, Clearwater
Jerry And Jackie Duggar, Coquitlam
1993
Jay Sorenson, Abbotsford
Doug Neilson, Richmond
Ed Araki, Abbotsford
1992
Pat Hardy
Meridith Spike, Prince George
Daphne Mcmann, Prince George
1991
Sheila Burns, Richmond
Mike Jones, Port Alberni
Roy Buer
1990
Mary Lou Vantreen, Delta
Fran Pope, Kamloops
Cal Davies, Pt. Alberni
1989
Lloyd Bates, Nanaimo
Henry Parker
Glenn Stover, Campbell River
1988
Elaine Hamilton, Nanaimo
Jim Biggan, Delta
Gord Blackwell, Abbotsford
1987
Gary Guraliuk, Richmond
Ida Oberg, Port Alberni
Dave Means, Williams Lake
1986
Finn Kennedy, Victoria
Chuck Jordan, Kelowna
Charlie Butt, Coquitlam
1985
Len Chin, Vancouver
Jean Martens, Abbotsford
Glen Johnson
1984
Alex Cheveldave, Coquitlam
Harry Thurlin
Andy George
1983
Bob Turner
Tony Borean, Vancouver
Keith Gabert, Victoria
1982
Judy Martin, Abbotsford
Shirley Randall, New Westminster
Murray & Donna Blackham,Abbotsford
1981
Al Jessiman
Elsie Brett
Alec And Pat Burns, Victoria
1980
Milo Trendholm
Bob Harris
Bob Maddox
1979
Jack Best, Vancouver
Ted Charlesworth, Port Alberni
Don Miklic, New Westminster
1978
Marion Bachewich, Coquitlam
Fred Martin
Al And Thelma Beasley, Victoria
1977
Finn Kennedy, Victoria
Faye Weir, Vancouver
Fred And Betty Skyrme, Victoria
Men's and Women's Service Awards
This award recognizes outstanding contributions by members within Softball B.C. who have excelled in service to the Men's & Women's Fastpitch and Slo-Pitch communities in our game.
The recipients of these awards are chosen by the Board of Directors during the September Board Meeting upon the recommendations of the Senior Fastpitch and Slo-Pitch Directors. The winners receive a framed certificate at the Annual General Meeting Banquet in October. Input and suggestions as to potential worthy recipients should be directed to the appropriate director.
Year
Recipients
2024
Richard Haldane
2023
Tracy Sherlock
2022
Al Groff
Barry Riva
2018
No Award Given
2017
Andy Adamson, District 5
2016
Tom Yipp, District 5
2015
No Award Given
2014
No Award Given
2013
No Award Given
2012
Gordon Mainwaring, District 2
2011
Lea Kunz, District 9
2010
2009
Ian Flint, District 11
Kelowna Major Men, District 9
2008
South Hill Sports Association
Victoria/Saanich Women’s Softball
2007
Suzanne Siggurdson, District 7
Frank Ashton, District 7
2006
Dan Coates, Delta
2005
Pat Hall, Victoria
2003
Dave Cumming, Vancouver
2002
Craig Donaldson, Vancouver
2001
Gary Mosterd, Coquitlam
2000
Mary Morel, North Vancouver
1999
Chris Carolan, Nanaimo
1998
Jan Martens, Kelowna
Ron Doig, Kelowna
1997
1996
Jennifer & Rocky Garandza, Victoria
Wayne Henry, Surrey
Greg Timm, Surrey
Gord Parnham, Courtenay
1995
Harry Mose, Port Hardy
Tom Yipp, Vancouver
1994
Mike Woods, Nanaimo
Comox Valley Women’s Beer League
Judy Hadley, Aldergrove
1993
Jim Hubbard, Victoria
Ron And Shirley Campbell
John Lucas
1992
Howard Logan, Nanaimo
Barb Warsimage, Kamloops
Andre Bluntel
1991
Dennis Bidin, Richmond
Dorene Thoms, Burnaby
Mike Hornak, Surrey
1990
Ernie Coleman
Bert Betoria, Victoria
Dave Milne, Delta
1989
Nino Fabro, Prince George
Norm King, Victoria
Chuck Jesson
1988
Willi Reimer, Abbotsford
George Keely, New Westminster
Neil Martens, Abbotsford
1987
Stan Bennett, Vancouver
Lew Mccorkall, Victoria
Rick Mclennan
1986
Alf Macdonald, Cranbrook
Wilbur Wostradowski
Frank Rota
1985
Duff Slavin, Burnaby
Roy Cope, New Westminster
Cec Larocque, Vancouver
1984
Bud Bargy, Prince George
Dennis Lauze, Abbotsford
Ron O’sullivan, Richmond
1983
Jack Bell, Victoria
Frank Bencher, Pr. George
Linda Slavin, Burnaby
1982
Norm Zlokikorits
Wayne Horning, Kelowna
Jack Chilton
1981
Pat Hall, Victoria
Al Gove, Burnaby
1980
Jo Demilt, Nanaimo
Jack Sweeney, Pt. Alberni
Jo Mathieson, North Vancouver
1979
Joe Patterson, Victoria
Gene Clarke, New Westminster
Al Horning
1978
Walter Yeamans, Victoria
E. Parsons, Vancouver
R. Leek
Umpire Service Awards
This award recognizes outstanding contributions by members within Softball B.C. who have excelled in service to the Minor, Senior or Officiating communities in our game.
The recipients of these awards are chosen by the Board of Directors during the September Board Meeting upon the recommendations of the Minor and Senior Directors and the Umpire-in-Chief. Input and suggestions as to potential worthy recipients should be directed to the appropriate director.
