ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Softball Canada has established Athlete of the Year awards presented by Home Run Sports (a division of Kahunaverse Sports). A total of six Athlete of the Year award recipients will be announced on an annual basis:

• Female Fast Pitch Athlete of the Year
• Male Fast Pitch Athlete of the Year
• Female Fast Pitch Minor Athlete of the Year
• Minor Male Fast Pitch Minor Athlete of the Year
• Female Slo-Pitch Athlete of the Year
• Male Slo-Pitch Athlete of the Year

The Softball Canada Awards Committee will consult with National Team coaches and Canadian Championship Supervisors to determine the recipients for each Athlete of the Year category. The recipients will be announced prior to the Softball Canada Congress.

Upon selection, and prior to final approval by the Board, the recipients' provincial or territorial association (President, Executive Director or other designated senior staff member) may be consulted to confirm the selected recipient is a member in good standing.

The name of the individuals selected as Athletes of the Year will be submitted to the Softball Canada Board of Directors for final approval.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The recipients of the six Athlete of the Year awards will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Must be a Canadian citizen / landed immigrant.
• Must be a member in good standing with Softball Canada.
• Must have represented Softball Canada at the international level; and/or
• Must have played in a Canadian Championship.
• Cannot be a previous winner.

In determining the recipients of the Athlete of the Year awards, Softball Canada will take many factors into account including, but not limited to, individual performance, team performance, experience and leadership.

2025 RECIPIENTS

FEMALE FAST PITCH ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

LARISSA FRANKLIN (Maple Ridge, BC) continued to be a key contributor for Canada’s Women’s National Team in 2025, showcasing her trademark consistency, speed, and power while courageously battling cancer. Despite the significant health challenges she faced, Franklin remained a driving force both on and off the field, exemplifying resilience and determination. At the WBSC Pan American Championship, she delivered a standout performance, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs and a triple to help Canada capture the title. Her exceptional play carried into the Canada Cup, where she was named to the All-Star Team after hitting .583 with three home runs and five RBIs, leading Canada to a silver medal finish. She also represented Canada at The World Games, adding a home run and three runs scored in four games. Beyond her athletic excellence, Franklin serves as a public speaker and athlete representative on Softball Canada’s Board of Directors, reflecting her deep commitment to giving back to the sport and inspiring the next generation through leadership, advocacy, and example.

MALE FAST PITCH ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

BLAKE HUNTER (Nanaimo, B.C) finished his Men’s National Team career on a high note as the country’s most consistent contributor in 2025. He led Canada offensively at the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Finals in Prince Albert hitting .571 with eight hits, two doubles, two homeruns and 11 RBIs (which led the tournament) in five games played. After winning the ISC World Tournament title with the Hill United Chiefs a few weeks later, Hunter made the trek to Chengdu, China for The World Games and hit .400 at that event with four hits and two runs batted in in three games there, as Canada won a bronze medal in a weather-shortened event.

WOMEN’S SLO-PITCH ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

SHANNON HILTON (Orillia, ON) was the best lead off hitter in the country this year, not only on the Women’s Border Battle Team, where she hit .619, but also at the Canadian Championships with her Ontario Lady Birds team, where she hit .731 and helped them secure the bronze medal. Hilton was a valuable veteran presence in Team Canada’s outfield, where she took charge and led with strong communication. Offensively she is a smart, versatile hitter, able to get on base, advance runners, hit for power, and utilize all areas of the field.

MEN’S SLO-PITCH ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

OLIVIER BLIER (Saint-Hyacinthe, QC) was a new, but key member of Canada’s Men's 2025 Border Battle Team both offensively and defensively this year. He hit .647 at the event and his strong defense and ability to control the tempo of the game earned him the start on the mound against Team USA. At this year’s Slo-Pitch Canadian Championship Blier helped lead his Coffrage Daniel Lampron team to their first gold medal, hitting .632 and again delivering a dominant pitching performance. He is a great leader and teammate on and off the field and was named Top Player of the tournament’s Championship Round.

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS