Each year, the Awards & Recognition Committee, on behalf of Softball Victoria, invites the community to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of their fellow softball players, committee members, and supporters to the sport.

We are absolutely delighted to announce the recipients of awards to those who are being recognised during the 2023/24 Softball year. 

Softball Victoria Hall of Fame inductees for 2024 
NATHAN GILL
BRYAN EDWARDS
BRYCE PILCHER

The Hall of Fame honours individuals for their exceptional contributions to the sport of softball. This prestigious recognition celebrates both players and non-players who have had a significant impact on the sport at both the state and national levels. Roles such as player, coach, umpire, team official, scorer, or manager are all considered for this distinction. This recognition highlights not only your achievements on the field but also the exemplary manner in which you’ve conducted yourself off the field, serving as a role model and leaving a lasting legacy. 

We look forward to sharing more information about the careers of Nathan Gill, Bryan Edwards and Bryce Pilcher in the near future but for now we congratulate these three on this incredible achievement and thank each one of them for their contribution to our sport and our state. 

Merle Short Service Award 
CHERYL WAYE 
LEANNE THOMAS
MOIRA TEICHERT
JAMES SWEENEY

Merle Short was a dedicated and long-serving member of Softball Victoria, starting in the early 1950s, where she contributed in various administrative roles. In recognition of her invaluable service, the prestigious Merle Short Service Award is given annually to volunteers who have shown exceptional service to the softball community, whether on the field through coaching, scoring, or umpiring, or behind the scenes in administrative roles. 

Margo Koskelainen Umpire of the Year Award - TREVOR MURPHY

This prestigious award is named in honour of Softball Victoria and Softball Australia Life Member Margo Koskelainen, to recognise significant contributions made to the Victorian and Australian umpiring programs over many years. Margo’s illustrious career and achievements within the umpiring community are indicative of the qualities required of the recipients of this award. 

Marjorie Dwyer Memorial Umpire Scholarship - ASHLEY SHIELD 

The award consists of a perpetual shield, with an individual trophy presented to the most outstanding Victorian umpire of the year.

In 1990, Softball Victoria Inc. established a scholarship trust in memory of Marj, a dedicated softball ambassador with over 30 years of involvement as a coach, administrator, and especially as an umpire. She earned her Victoria (Level 3) and Australian (Level 5) badges in 1955 and officiated at state, national, and international levels. Marj served as President of the Victorian Softball Umpires Association for 30 years, received Life Membership of Softball Victoria in 1975, and was inducted into Softball Australia’s Hall of Fame in 1987. After her passing in 1990, she was posthumously honored in Softball Victoria’s Hall of Fame. The trust aims to support the education, training, and development of Softball Victoria umpires who meet specific requirements.

John Larter Development Award - LYNNE CHENU

The John Larter Development Award was established in 2006 to honour John Larter, one of Victoria’s senior umpires. Over the years, John made significant contributions to the Victorian Umpiring Program, and his dedication and accomplishments are recognized by both Softball Victoria and the Victorian Umpiring Committee through this award. 

 The scholarship is awarded to a current Level 1 umpire who demonstrates excellence in the following areas:

• Competence as an umpire during the season in which the award is presented
• A passion for umpiring
• Consistent above-average officiating skills
• Dedication to advancing towards achieving their Level 2 certification

Lorraine Davies Statistician of the Year Award - MOIRA TEICHERT

The Lorraine Davies Statistician of the Year Award recognises the outstanding contributions of a community softball statistician, with a focus on enhancing community, association, state, and national softball. The award highlights your personal efforts to encourage participation, foster development, uphold integrity, and create a more welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for the sport. We thank you for your contribution and dedication to Softball in Victoria.

Mary Walkinshaw Scoring Award - JOANNE CLOUGH

The Mary Walkinshaw Scoring Award is presented to Victorian softball scorers who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to softball scoring through their contributions to their team, club, association, and/or state program. This award recognizes the most promising emerging scorer, considering factors such as talent, commitment, and a dedication to enhancing their scoring knowledge and skills.

Community Coach of the Year Award - CRAIG KNEEBONE

This award is presented to Victorian softball coaches who have made a significant contribution to their team, club, association, and/or state. It recognizes the outstanding impact made by a Victorian community softball coach during 2024, with a focus on enhancing community softball through encouraging participation, fostering development, upholding integrity, and creating a more welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for the sport.

The Softball Victoria Awards & Recognition Committee will host a special presentation event for all award recipients on Saturday, May 31st, from 11 AM to 4 PM (approximately) at Waverley Softball Association. Please save the date—we welcome all members of the softball community to attend and celebrate the exceptional achievements of these outstanding members of our community. TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON.

Congratulations, and thank you for your dedication to Softball in Victoria.