COMPETITION.HERITAGE.INCLUSION.COMMUNITY.

HONOR & IMPACT

50 YEAR LEGACY.

Honor & Impact celebrates those who have shaped iPride Softball and invests in those who will carry it forward. Through our Hall of  Fame, the iPride Awards, and the Ken Scearce Leadership Scholarship, we recognize excellence, service and lasting contributions to our community.

IPRIDE AWARDS

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

The iPride Awards proudly launched in 2025 as a new tradition—created to celebrate the people and communities who make iPride Softball more than an organization. In its inaugural year, the iPride Awards debuted with a red-carpet celebration hosted by the incomparable Nina West, setting the tone for an evening rooted in pride, joy, and community.

The awards honor Member Cities / Associations, and tournaments that lead with heart, serve with purpose, and create spaces where everyone belongs. With the iPride Awards, we recognize the passion, leadership, and impact that continue to elevate the game and strengthen the iPride community—on and off the field.

AWARD CATEGORY

MEMBER CITY/ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

The Member City of the Year award recognizes a city or association that exemplifies excellence in leadership, inclusivity, and community impact. This honor celebrates outstanding growth, strong organizational practices, and a commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive environment for all players. Member City of the Year reflects iPride values in action—on the field, within the community, and across the broader iPride network.

2025 WINNER: SFAAA FT. LAUDERDALE
SFAAA Fort Lauderdale is honored as the iPride Member City / Association of the Year for its enduring leadership, sustained growth, and deep commitment to community. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, SFAAA marked the milestone with opening ceremonies, a field dedication, and an awards banquet that reunited founders and Hall of Fame members—underscoring the league’s rich history and lasting impact. Led by a dedicated seven-member board and supported by active committees, SFAAA offers competitive play across multiple divisions, including E, D, C, B, and Legends. In the 2025 season alone, the association supported 31 teams and nearly 500 players, reflecting both its scale and strong organizational foundation. SFAAA continues to grow through intentional outreach and engagement, from partnerships with local businesses along Wilton Drive to a strong presence at Pride events throughout South Florida. Recruitment and ratings fairs, off-season programming like Under the Lights, and consistent digital communication ensure accessibility, visibility, and player development year-round. Grounded in inclusivity and community connection, SFAAA fosters a welcoming environment that reflects the diversity of Fort Lauderdale while giving back through volunteerism and charitable support for at-risk youth, the transgender community, and local pet rescues. With respected leadership, thoughtful governance, and a culture rooted in integrity, SFAAA exemplifies iPride values in action—on and off the field.
2025 FINALIST: LB/OC SURF & SUN SOFTBALL
Surf & Sun Softball is recognized as a finalist for Member City / Association of the Year for its long-standing leadership, innovation, and deep commitment to inclusive community building. An active iPride member since 1983, Surf & Sun supports a thriving Open and Women’s+ program with more than 20 teams and 250 players across multiple divisions, guided by a diverse and highly engaged Board of Directors. In 2024, the league strengthened player development through weekly skills and pitching clinics, expanded access through ad-hoc team creation, and modernized operations with a comprehensive digital platform that improved communication, scheduling, and engagement. With intentional DEI education, meaningful partnerships—including Pride Night with the Los Angeles Angels—and a culture rooted in fairness, transparency, and service, Surf & Sun continues to set a high standard for what an iPride member city can achieve on and off the field.
2025: FINALIST: SSBL MILWAUKEE
SSBL Milwaukee is recognized as a finalist for Member City / Association of the Year for its nearly five decades of leadership, community impact, and unwavering commitment to inclusive softball. Celebrating its 49th season in 2024, SSBL continues to grow through thoughtful programming that blends tradition with creativity—welcoming new players, expanding Fall Ball participation, and fostering connection through themed seasons, Extra Innings socials, and innovative engagement. Guided by an all-volunteer Board, the league leads with integrity and transparency while actively removing barriers to participation through financial assistance, gender-inclusive practices, and accessible facilities. From preserving league history to investing in umpire development and community partnerships across Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ landscape, SSBL exemplifies iPride values in action and remains a model of how sport can build belonging, resilience, and pride.

AWARD CATEGORY

TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR

This award celebrates a city-hosted tournament that stands out for its exceptional planning, player experience, and embodiment of iPride values. From logistics and communication to inclusivity and community-building, Tournament of the Year recognizes events that leave a lasting impression on participants.

2025 WINNER: SIN CITY CLASSIC
The Sin City Classic is honored as the iPride Tournament of the Year for its extraordinary scale, thoughtful execution, and unwavering commitment to inclusion, community, and excellence. Hosted January 12–14, 2024, the tournament brought together more than 240 teams across Open and Women’s divisions, featuring over 800 games and welcoming hundreds of athletes from across the country for one of the largest LGBTQ+ softball tournaments in the world. Meticulously planned nearly a year in advance and powered by a dedicated leadership team and nearly 100 volunteers, Sin City Classic set the standard for organization, communication, and player experience. Strategic scheduling allowed Legends players to compete across divisions, while clear logistics and fair competition ensured a smooth and equitable tournament for all participants. Beyond the field, Sin City Classic delivered an unforgettable community experience. Expanded Women’s+ divisions, the introduction of sober social events, and intentional accessibility accommodations created space for athletes to show up as their most authentic selves. From inclusive programming to electric social events—culminating in a closing celebration featuring Natasha Bedingfield—the tournament balanced high-level competition with joy, connection, and celebration. With significant sponsorship support, meaningful contributions to the Ken Scearce Leadership Scholarship, and profits that help keep league fees accessible year-round, Sin City Classic exemplifies iPride values in action. Its continued growth, community impact, and dedication to evolving with the needs of its players make it a deserving and standout recipient of Tournament of the Year.
2025 FINALIST: HURRICANE SHOWDOWN
Hurricane Showdown is named a Tournament of the Year finalist for its strong execution, welcoming environment, and positive impact on players and the local community. Hosted by SFAAA, the tournament typically draws between 65 and 75 teams competing in Open E, Open D, and Open C divisions, with Upper and Legends D divisions offered when participation allows. Games are played across three fields, with Mills Pond Park serving as the main site—located just one mile from Wilton Drive and three miles from the host beach hotel. Player experience is enhanced through Friday night games, a charity longball contest, and a full slate of social programming, including a pre-registration party, opening ceremony, and closing celebration at host venues. Through thoughtful planning, consistent outreach, and attention to inclusivity, Hurricane Showdown has become a tournament many teams look forward to returning to year after year.
2025 FINALIST: LIBERTY CLASSIC: BATTLE FOR THE BEACH
Liberty Classic: Battle for the Beach is recognized as a Tournament of the Year finalist for its strong organization, centralized tournament experience, and commitment to delivering a high-quality event for teams across divisions. Hosted by Surf & Sun Softball League, the tournament welcomed 67 teams competing in Upper, C, D, E, and Women’s+ divisions, all playing at a single eight-field sports complex that allowed for efficient scheduling and smooth execution. Highlights included awards for the top three teams in each division and the introduction of championship rings for division winners, adding a memorable new element for participants. Through detailed planning, clear communication, experienced umpire coordination, and inclusive practices rooted in iPride values, Liberty Classic continues to grow its impact—strengthening community connections, enhancing the player experience, and reinforcing its place on the iPride tournament calendar.