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 Lit
tle 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.
- 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:
2025 - Rebecca Folliard
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.
- 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:
2025 - Huck Powell
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
Brij Spangler Love of the Game Award
The Spangler Award is a scholarship award dedicated in memory of SDLL player Brij Spangler. Brij was a beloved SDLL player who passed away from cancer in July 2024. This award honors a player who embodies Brij’s unwavering passion for the sport, resilience in the face of challenges, and the incredible joy he brought to his team. It celebrates an individual who inspires others through their dedication and spirit, just as Brij did during his remarkable journey. In his final season, Brij’s exceptional performance was incredible and inspiring to behold and this award seeks to recognize a player who upholds that same standard of excellence, sportsmanship, and passion for the game. Nominated players should be highlighted to celebrate those who exemplify his values both on and off the field.The Brij Spangler award is open to all Baseball or Softball league age 9 players.
Past Award Recipients:
2025: Toren Brown and Della Weir
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.