Patty DeVore, Executive/Director Category

Patty DeVore’s involvement with USSSA began in 1981 when she became the first woman USSSA umpire in Washington State.  She became a member of the Executive Board and Executive Committee in 1983 as the State Secretary. She has served as the Youth Program Director since 1989. Over her 20 year association with softball she has played, coached, umpired, conducted umpire Fastpitch clinics, scheduled Fastpitch league umpires, run Regional, State and Invitational tournaments and has been a team sponsor. Patty has long been a champion of Youth and Women’s programs and strives to get them recognized nationally.  She is the recipient of the 1985 Executive Board award, the 1991 State Director’s award, the 1995 Western Region “Dwight Hall” Spark Plug of the Year award and the 1997 USSSA DeBeer Sportswoman of the Year Richard Pollak Memorial award.

Steve Kitchen, Sponsor Category

Steve has been involved with USSSA Washington State programs for 11 years as a sponsor of “The Schooner”. He has sponsored 4 different USSSA teams in leagues and tournaments in the Men’s and Youth programs. His men’s ‘A’ team has qualified and participated in numerous National and World tournaments, finishing in 7^th place at the ‘A’ World Championships in San Clemente, California. Steve has sponsored many USSSA tournaments over the years helping in the promotion of USSSA in Washington.

Owen Shackett, Special Category

Owen B. Shackett served USSSA Washington State in many capacities from 1980 to 1996. He helped establish the USSSA Washington State Church softball program and served as its Director from 1980 to 1992. He was also on the Executive Board during that time. At National meetings, Owen, known as “Onie” to his friends, constantly strived to improve the National Church program rules and establish guidelines for Church World tournaments. He was the recipient of the National Church Director’s Award twice. From 1979 to 1996, Owen was a player and assistant coach for Peoples Church, who won Church ‘A’ World in 1991 and 1993. Owen was selected as MVP at the 1996 World tournament and won many other All Star awards over the years. He organized and ran many Church and Men’s tournaments, including State, Regional and World. Owen received the 1989 Executive Board award and the Special Service award in 1994. Owen passed away in October of 1996.

Kathi Illman, Female Player Category

Kathi has excelled at shortstop for over 20 years. A frequent recipient of All Star & MVP honors, the highlight of her career came in 1992 when she helped her team, Seattle Express, win USSSA Washington State’s first and only Women’s ‘A’ Nationals title in Garland, Texas. Being elected to the National All-Tournament team was an added bonus. Kathi’s remarkable offensive and defensive abilities make her an outstanding choice for induction into the Washington State Hall of Fame.

Steve Leighton, Male Player Category

Steve, better known as Junior on the field, has played USSSA softball for 15 years. He started at the ‘C’ level and played up through the Major classification with Price Enterprises. He was a consistent power hitter with approximately 950 home runs and a lifetime USSSA batting average of .640. Steve has won numerous All Tournament awards as well as being selected as the Tournament MVP in State and Regional tournaments.

Dennis “Doc” Christopherson, Male Player Category

“Doc” has been playing USSSA softball for 17 years. He plays 3^rd base and outfield, though he has played every position on the field at one time or another. He is a base hitter to the opposite field, with a lifetime USSSA batting average of .575. “Doc” has played with different level teams over the years including Ruth, Zetec and Caddyshack. He is currently playing in the Masters program.

Dan Valentine, Male Player Category

Dan has played USSSA softball for 13 years. He is a 2^nd baseman, although he also played 1^st base and catcher. He is a base hitter with a lifetime USSSA batting average of .585, including approximately 130 home runs. Dan has played at the ‘B’ and ‘A/AA’ level and has spent 12 years with the Church program, playing with Peoples Church when they won the 1993 USSSA ‘A’ Church World. He has been an All Tournament player in numerous state and world tournaments as well as Tournament MVP several times.