ETHEL BOYCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

CRITERIA

Mrs. Ruth A Laing created the ETHEL BOYCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD in 1998 through a donation in memory of her sister Miss Ethel Phoebe Boyce.

Miss Boyce was an avid softball player who had a professional and personal interest in people. She was particularly interested in young people and helping them to succeed in life.

The award is administered by Softball Canada and is given annually awarded to a female and male recipient. It is expected that the award winners will have exhibited leadership traits and skills in softball. Both recipients receive $1,000. The award is meant to help defray the costs of education and/or playing softball. The award winners will be announced at the annual Softball Canada Congress (formerly known as the Annual General Meeting).

To qualify for this award the applicant must be:

• Registered with a provincial/territorial association
• A resident of the province or territory
• In attendance at a recognized post secondary educational institution

Softball Canada by September 15 of each year must receive a letter of application, a completed application form, along with a letter of endorsement from the provincial/territorial office.

Note: Reference letter(s) must be included whenever possible.

2025 RECIPIENTS

ELLI THOMPSON (Delta, BC) is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Brown University, where she has excelled both academically and athletically. In 2025, she won gold at the Canada Summer Games, hitting a two-run home run in the final to secure victory. She also captured the U19 Canadian Championship and earned All-Star recognition, posting a .570 batting average at Canadians. As a freshman at Brown, Elli helped her team win the Ivy League Championship with a game-winning RBI and competed in the NCAA D1 Regionals. Her goals include making first team All-Ivy, competing on the Women’s National Team, and pursuing a career in oncology. With her combination of skill, leadership, and commitment to both sport and community, Elli exemplifies the excellence and promise celebrated by the Ethel Boyce Achievement Award.

JOSEPH WEILER (Hepworth, ON) is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Wilfrid Laurier University, Joseph has excelled both academically and athletically. He captured gold medals at the 2025 Canada Games, U20 and U23 Canadian Championships, and the U20 OASA Provincials. A member of Team Canada’s 2023 U18 Men’s World Cup bronze medal team, Joseph also gives back to his community through coaching in minor ball and hockey programs. His goals include competing on a Men’s National Team and capturing another U23 Canadian Championship title. Joseph’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence make him a truly deserving recipient of the Ethel Boyce Achievement Award

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS