Awards

2023 EDSUA Umpire Awards

Fastpitch Umpire of the Year - Mike Semchuk

Slo-pitch Umpire of the Year - Kevin Sexsmith

This award recognizes the umpire who represents the EDUSA with distinction - either locally, nationally or internationally. This year’s recipient participated in the Worth Western Series Events (the first two events in Calgary at Jaycee Park and the last one at Lede Park in Leduc, AB). He was named the Umpire MVP of the 3rd Event. This umpire was always worked a lot of SAMSPA games this past season as well as UIC for a several local tournaments this season. Congratulations to Kevin Sexsmith on being named Slo-Pitch Umpire of the Year.

Rookie of the Year - Kelly Doyle 

This award recognizes the umpire who excelled as a first-year umpire. This year’s recipient has played the game for over 30 years (still an active player with the Pedlars (Open +40) in SAMSPA) and wanted to give back to the sport. He worked games with Junior High, SAMSPA as well as several tournaments. Congratulations to Kelly Doyle on being named the Rookie SP Umpire of the Year.

Most Improved Umpire - Shelley Knowlton

This award recognizes the umpire who has shown the most improvement over the past season. This year’s recipient participated in two of the three Worth Western Series as well as Softball Alberta Provincials held Sept 08-10th and even assisted with bat testing. She still plays fastpitch. She has a drive to improve, is very open to feedback and showed she was a quick learner. She also brings a wealth of elite ice hockey experience with her to the diamond. She worked games with Junior High, SAMSPA as well as several tournaments. Congratulations to Shelley Knowlton on being named Most Improved Umpire of the Year.

Laurie Razz Award - Larry Desjardins

This year’s recipient started out as a FP umpire in the late 1990s and even umpired some of our current umpires when they were still players. He became a SP umpire a few years later. He has served multiple terms as SP Director for the EDSUA. He is a Level IV SP Umpire as well as a certified instructor, evaluator and mentor. He has attended multiple Provincial, Western and Canadian Championships. He has helped develop the career of many past and present umpires and has been influential in my development as an umpire. Congratulations to Larry Desjardins on being named as the Razz Award winner.