Kelsey Oonk Sportsmanship Award
Established in 2022, the Kelsey Oonk Sportsmanship Award was named after Kelsey Oonk for her dedication to the development and implementation of SDLL's softball program. Kelsey's relentless effort to expand opportunities for girls in the South Durham area to play the game of softball has been an inspiration. The award recognizes a league age 12 softball player for exhibiting the Little League values of character, courage and loyalty based upon how the player has conducted herself over previous seasons, including the player’s sportsmanship, teamwork and overall love of softball. SDLL Coaches and Members of the Board of Directors are provided with the opportunity to nominate one or more league age 12 players for the award.
- Nominations are due to the SDLL Board of Directors by January 15.
- Recipients of the award receive a plaque and a scholarship equal to the amount of their SDLL registration fee.
- The award is presented annually at the beginning of the year typically during Opening Ceremonies or the first game of the season.
Past Award Recipients:
2024 - Malou Hare
2023 - Sofia Padua
2022 - Annemarie Camacho-Montero
Yusef Shabazz Sportsmanship Award
Established in 2015, the Yusef Shabazz Sportsmanship Award was created to honor the memory of longtime volunteer and SDLL coach Yusef Shabazz. The award recognizes a league age 12 player for exhibiting the Little League values of character, courage and loyalty based upon how the player has conducted himself or herself over previous seasons, including the player’s sportsmanship, teamwork and overall love of baseball. SDLL Coaches and Members of the Board of Directors are provided with the opportunity to nominate one or more league age 12 players for the award.
- Nominations are due to the SDLL Board of Directors by January 15.
- Recipients of the award receive a plaque and a scholarship equal to the amount of their SDLL registration fee.
- The award is presented annually at the beginning of the year typically during Opening Ceremonies or the first game of the season.
Past Award Recipients:
2024 - Cooper Hanczaryk
2023 - Noah McDowell
2022 - Brennan Basiliere
2021 - Evan Jackson
2020 - Vincent McAlister
2019 - Braxton Kruhm & Landon Cole
2018 - Maxwell Rosselli & Landon Futrell
2017 - Trey Hoffman
2016 - Maleik Powell
2015 - Josephus Shabazz
Registration Scholarships
Player scholarships may be available for families who want to participate in SDLL but may not be able to afford the registration fees. Scholarships are per-request and evaluated for approval by the SDLL Player Agent and President. Families may indicate scholarship needs on the SDLL registration form or contact the SDLL President directly.