The OIWFA is pleased to announce it’s very first recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award. This award has been designed as a prestigious honour, recognizing an individual’s outstanding, long-term contributions to the OIWFA, and who has advocated for and promoted the OIWFA and the sport of women’s softball over an extended number of years. This year’s recipient is from the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, former Head Coach, Scott Searle.

“There is no one more deserving to receive the very first Outstanding Contribution Award than Scott Searle” said OIWFA President Matt Allen. “Scott has not only been the face of the Ottawa Gee-Gees, but is renowned with university softball in this province” Allen added.

Scott has been coaching the University of Ottawa’s softball team since it’s inception. He played a major role in the development of the team, as well as promoting the OIWFA throughout the city of Ottawa. Scott has consistently fought for uOttawa’s recognition at the university, as well as dedicated his time to ensuring the growth of the OIWFA since it’s very beginning. Without the tireless efforts of coaches like Searle, who keep softball programs alive at the university, the OIWFA would not exist.

“The OIWFA has always been very special to me. As someone who values high level sport, Ontario education, and loves softball, the OIWFA has been one of my passions since its inception. It is extremely humbling to be given this honour, and I would like to thank all of the athletes and coaches I have had the privilege to work with. Coaching my favourite sport at my alma mater has been a vocation and a real honour. I am most proud of the work the OIWFA has done in creating awareness and leading social change. I truly love softball and have always been extremely proud to be associated with the OIWFA and the uOttawa team and look forward to continuing to share my love of the sport” said Searle.

For over twelve years, Scott has managed to bring out the best in his athletes, no matter their skill level, in order to always field a competitive team. Through Scott’s efforts, Ottawa’s program has experienced much success, but what stands out most is Scott’s dedication to the community. Although Scott works full time as a teacher, coaches a variety of teams throughout Ontario, acts as a learning facilitator and evaluator for Softball Ontario and is an instructor for various OASA clinics, he still manages to find the time to meet with and recruit prospective athletes, organize Bridge to the Future softball clinics throughout the community and meet with athletes who need help honing their softball skills. It’s clear that Scott helps the athletes he coaches and young people throughout the community foster a love for the sport of softball.

Scott is completely dedicated to the sport of softball, and in particular, the development of women’s softball at the university level. Scott’s passion for softball and his dedication to his athletes are what make Scott such an excellent ambassador for the sport. His willingness and capacity to help other is unsurpassed. Scott treats everyone with respect and is one of those people that everyone wants to be around. Scott is involved in all aspects of the game. He has coached both male and female players U12 to senior men, to masters. On the administration side, he chairs committees for Softball Ontario and promotes and teaches the National Coaching Certification Program. As a leader he has the ability to develop consensus among a wide range of people. His enthusiasm and support of both players and coaches is infectious. He is a valuable asset to the game of softball in Ontario and within the OIWFA.