Ottawa, Ont. - Softball Canada is proud to announce the induction of Dean Holoien (Athlete – Saskatchewan) into the Softball Canada Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding career and contributions to the sport.  

Dean Holoien’s (Melfort, Sask.) international accolades include a silver medal at the 2004 WBSC World Championships and a bronze medal at the 2009 WBSC World Championships, along with participation in the Pan American Qualifiers in 1998 and 2002. Domestically, Holoien was a force to be reckoned with, winning five Men’s Canadian Championships and four Master Men’s Canadian Championships. He also captured two ASA National titles and capped his career with an ISC World Championship in 2009. Individually, Holoien was named to the ISC All-World team six times and took home the MVP award at the 2009 ISC Worlds. His Canadian Championships career spanned two decades, where he earned multiple MVP and Top Pitcher awards, solidifying his place as one of Canada’s all-time greats. Dean Holoien’s induction into the Softball Canada’s Hall of Fame is a testament to his incredible contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy as one of the game’s finest. 

Holoien will be inducted at Softball Canada’s Hall of Fame Banquet on November 9th in Saskatoon alongside Don Bates (Coach), Trevor Ethier (Athlete), Bryan Kosteroski (Builder), Keith Mackintosh (Athlete) and Gary Skjerven (Official), who were previously announced as inductees in August. 

Softball Canada is also excited to reveal its 2024 award and bursary recipients. 

Home Run Sports Women’s Fast Pitch Athlete of the Year 

Erika Polidori (Brantford, Ont.) 

In her 12th season with the Women’s National Team, Polidori was an offensive and defensive force, earning All-Star honors at the Canada Cup and helping Canada secure bronze at the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup 

Home Run Sports Men’s Fast Pitch Athlete of the Year 

Mathieu Roy (St-Gervais, Que.) 

A mainstay since 2012, Roy’s leadership was instrumental in Canada’s qualification for the 2025 WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Finals. He shone offensively at the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup – Group B at the plate, including two home runs, one double, and one triple. 

Home Run Sports Women’s Slo-Pitch Athlete of the Year 

Shelby Craig (Oshawa, Ont.) 

Craig played a vital role for Team Canada at the Border Battle and led her team, Home Run Sports/Miken Ladybirds, to gold at the Canadian Championships, where she topped in doubles and ranked fourth in triples. 

Home Run Sports Men’s Slo-Pitch Athlete of the Year 

Steele Lewis (Essex, Ont.) 

Lewis led the Orioles/Tigers to second place at the Men’s Canadian Slo-Pitch Championship, where he topped the hits list and earned MVP honors. At the Border Battle, he led Team Canada with nine home runs. 

Homerun Sports Coach of the Year 

Mario Lavallée (St-Henri-de-Lévis, Que.) 

Lavallée led the host Quebec U17 team to gold at the U17 Boy’s Canadian Championships and coaches a Women’s Fast Pitch and a Minor Fast Pitch team. Known for his calm demeanor and dedication, he’s respected across the softball community, with expertise in pitching and hitting and a strong commitment to the National Coaching Certification Program. 

Home Run Sports Fast Pitch Umpire of the Year 

Daryl Helmer (Airdrie, Alta.) 

Helmer has shown exemplary dedication to umpiring, known for his respect, approachability, and fairness. In 2024, his expertise was showcased at prestigious events including the WBSC Men’s World Cup – Group A and the ISC World Tournament. 

Home Run Sports Slo-Pitch Umpire of the Year 

Carla MacKenzie (Wolfville, N.S.) 

MacKenzie officiated at the 2024 Canadian Slo-Pitch Championships, taking the plate for the Women’s final. She also mentors and supports women in umpiring, fostering a diverse and welcoming umpiring community. 

Rose Hodgson Volunteer of the Year 

Vanessa Kosteroski (Saskatoon, Sask.) 

With 26 years of volunteer service, Kosteroski has profoundly impacted the sport, notably as SMSL President and on various Canadian and World Championship committees. Her expertise and commitment have enriched the softball community. 

Claude Deschamps Memorial Fund Recipients 

Arshleen Bajwa (Surrey, B.C.) 

A Bachelor of Education student and former UBC softball player, Bajwa coaches the U17A White Rock Renegades, helping young athletes reach their potential. 

Sydnie Zapesocki (Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.) 

Pursuing degrees in Kinesiology and Management, Zapesocki, a Pronghorns softball player, aspires to become a trainer and coach while creating opportunities for underserved children in softball. 

Ethel Boyce Memorial Award Recipients 

Jordan Bruce (East Chezzetcook, N.S.) 

Bruce, a UPEI Chemistry student with 12 years of softball experience, coaches the U13 Comets and aims to help expand softball in her community. 

William Myers (Newburgh, Ont.) 

A Queen’s University student and Napanee Express player, Myers has earned gold at the 2023 U20 Men’s and silver at the 2022 U17 Boy’s Canadian Championships. He dreams of playing for Team Canada while inspiring youth as a coach. 

Congratulations to all award recipients for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport of softball in Canada.