SNZ Awards 2021

TYNEESSHA HOUKAMAU - SOFTBALLER OF THE YEAR

Tyneesha 1-332
Tyneesha did it all this season, hitting, fielding, pitching and base running at both provincial and club level.

While playing for Auckland at the National Fastpitch Championship (NFC) she performed well with the bat and ball, helping the team reach the final. Although Auckland did not get the win, highlights from Tyneesha in the NFC final include her hitting triple digits (101kph) while on the mound and almost clearing the fence in one of her at-bats.

At club level, Tyneesha plays for a talented Otahuhu team that dominated the NZ club scene, going on to win their first Women’s Club National title in March. Again, Tyneesha performed well with the bat and ball helping her team complete a dominant season.

Tyneesha is a competitor who works hard both on and off the diamond. She puts a great amount of effort into all areas of her game, continually striving for excellence. Tyneesha is a great example of a person who embodies the qualities of a White Sox athlete.

Tyneesha Houkamau is a very deserving winner of the SNZ Softballer of the Year for 2021.

 
SOFTBALL NZ ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

 
Softball NZ Community, Official, Player and Coach Awards for 2020-2021

Administrator of the Year - Aimee Russell

Volunteer of the Year - Roberta Blair-Stilwell

Volunteer of the Year - Joanne Harris

Personality of the Year - Raymond Terrey

Domestic Coach of the Year - Nathan Nukunuku

Scorer of the Year - Alison Kensington

Umpire of the Year - Dave Fortin

Club of the Year - Metro 

Association of the Year - Southland


Player of the Year Awards for 2020-2021

Women’s Emerging Player of the Year - Lace Tangianau


Men’s Emerging Player of the Year - Tane Mumu


Women’s Pitcher of the Year - Loran Parker


Men’s Pitcher of the Year - Daniel Chapman


Women’s Player of the Year - Tyneesha Houkamau


Men’s Player of the Year - Cole Evans
  
 

SOFTBALL NZ HALL OF FAME

 

 
June Fitzpatrick (posthumously)
June Fitzpatrick was, arguably, the first dominant pitcher in New Zealand women’s softball.

From the Miramar club, Fitzpatrick was the lead pitcher on the first New Zealand women’s team, which toured Australia in 1949, aged just 19. Read more

Donny Hale

For 20 years, the ‘Halestorm’ - three-time Black Sox world champion Donny Hale - was of the most feared and respected softball sluggers in the world. Read more

Thomas Makea
Multi-talented Thomas Makea is the most complete player to don a Black Sox softball uniform, according to former national coach Mike Walsh. Read more
 

 
SOFTBALL NZ DISTINGUISHED SERVICES AWARD

 
Lindsay Edwards
Lindsay Edwards has given stalwart service to Whanganui and New Zealand Softball for around a half century as a player, umpire and administrator. Read more

Hilton Earley 
Former Softball New Zealand President Hilton Earley has been one of the sport's most dynamic administrators and entrepreneurs. Read more

Elizabeth Natana
Lil Natana, Softball NZ’s chief scorer since 2015, has been steeped in softball service for over 40 years. Read more