Feb. 1, 2025
Softball News Report
SYLVIA, N.C. – Senior Softball USA’s Operations Director and Tournament Coordinator Stephanie Hopkins was awarded the Bill Ruth Base Burglar Award during ceremonies on Dec. 14 in the Old History Jackson County Courthouse.
The award by fellow senior softball organization, Independent Sports Association (ISA), is given to someone who is “always helping to assure everything is taken care of,” according to ISA’s 2024 Award Ceremony literature.
“Without [Stephanie’s] help, we would not be able to pull off our ISA Senior World held in July every year,” wrote Mike Caldwell, the chief executive officer of ISA. “We are very thankful for her and the assistance that she provides! Communication is vital for success and Stephanie does a great job communicating in all things needed to be successful!”
“We are very proud of Stephanie’s award,” said Fran Dowell, SSUSA’s executive director. “She has been an integral part of our company for many years and is admired by many players and staff.”
“It was a complete surprise,” said Stephanie, upon learning the news.
“A heartfelt thank you to ISA for selecting me to receive the Bill Ruth Base Burglar Award,” she added. “It is a true honor to be considered. Any achievement is a team effort as proven by the dedication of Mike Caldwell, Hank Heffner, Amy Jackson [and] Derek Setzer in growing and improving the sport of senior softball.
Stephanie has been with SSUSA since 2002 and has worked in almost every department.
Bill Ruth, the award’s namesake, was the owner of ISA and eventually became co-owner of SSUSA in the early 2000s until his passing in 2021.