2008 Softball BC Awards- Biographies of Recipients
Senior Team of the Year – Island Devils
In 2004, a group of girls consisting of 2-19 year olds and a mixture of 17 & 18 year olds banded together, chose the name Island Devils, so as not to leave any community out, and headed to the ball field to play A ball. They worked hard, bonded with each other, respected what each brought to the team and were coached by Rick Merrifield and Russ Fanucchi.
Their first year in Midget A, they finished 4th out of 10 teams at Provincials. Some worked together while others pursued their course of post-secondary studies but they always came back to the Island to play ball. They have won Junior A Provincials for the last 3 years, each year attending Nationals winning the bronze medal in 2008, a year in which 10 of the original 14 players signed the roster. Injury prevented 2 of the original players from participating in the 2008 season.
They are a remarkable team, continuing to play together and be best friends well into their future years of competitive Softball – the 2008 Senior Team of the Year.
Senior Athlete of the Year – Marisa Lister
“Marta” began her Softball playing career with the Central Saanich Association, moving to the Island Devils in 2004 to play Midget A ball. Taking off her first year of Junior eligibility to travel with her family in Italy, she returned this past season, with great drive and determination.
At the 2008 BC Junior Provincial Championships, she dominated the event with her pitching skill and technique and her offensive play. With the Canadian berth secured, she was an active member of the Island Devils team who, as a group, raised over $30,000 for the trip to the National Championships in PEI – a player on and off the field.
Marisa was focused and determined at the event, always positive and reflective of the game, which proved to be rewarding – the 2008 Junior Women’s Fastball Championship Top Pitcher” award, with a bronze medal for the team.
Marisa is in her final year of the Bachelor of Nursing program at Brenau University (NAIA), excelling both academically and athletically, collecting many awards in both disciplines. She had been offered scholarships to continue with her Masters of Nursing, an additional 2 years at the same University, during which time she would be a member of the coaching staff for the Softball team, returning her skill and love of the game to others.
A worthy recipient of the Senior Athlete of the Year for 2008 is Marisa Lister.
Senior Service Award – Victoria/Saanich Women’s Fastball Association
In 1971, Walter Yeamans secured Hyacinth Park at the corner of Interurban and Marigold so the Senior Ladies would have a ball facility to call home, and no longer have to share Central Park with the men.
The park was used by soccer players in the winter which meant that the dedicated volunteers every spring had to put the outfield fences up and take them down at season's end. Finally, in 1989, the Municipality of Saanich turned the running of the park over to them. The current building with a meeting room upstairs, an umpire room, storage area for grounds equipment and storage lockers for individual team equipment was erected. The diamonds were skinned and score booths built, everything being done by players, coaches and friends.
Over the years, the park hosted many Provincial and Western Canadian Championships for senior men, women, mixed and minors. Hosting Provincial events and clinics for minors has been a highlight for the park – a chance to let it shine. In the 1980's and 90's, annual tournaments were held providing much needed funding for on-going maintenance and improvements.
The Victoria/Saanich Women’s Association has been the steeping stones for minors entering the senior game at the elite level. Many Hyacinth teams over the years have represented British Columbia at Westerns and Canadians with much success. The park continues to showcase women’s ball, now and in the future - a tribute to the 2008 Senior Service Award recipient Victoria/Saanich Women’s Fastball Association.
