Sammy Cipolla

In 2010, our award was established in Sammy’s memory after her two-year battle with cancer. Sammy is remembered fondly as a young woman of many talents, a six-year veteran of Titans softball and all-conference member of the Glenbrook South High School softball team.

Take a moment to celebrate a Titan off the field with a donation to any of these charities important to Sammy. A small annual donation by every member of the Titans family can make a big difference.

• The Miami Transplant Institute

• Sr. Paulanne's Needy Family Fund at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish

• Corporate Angel Network

Read Sammy’s blog and learn more about her.

“From the time that she was a Titan of Tomorrow in 2014 and 2015, to the completion of this most recent season as a 14u player and a HS freshman, Grace has been non-stop in making her skill development a priority. From her sitting in the grass while talking with Coach Carol Heles, paralyzed with fear at trying out at age 8, to her helping lead the most recent ToTs groups, Grace has internalized—and now is paying forward—the joy of someone touching and inspiring young athletes who are looking for guidance. From her running all the way from left field to fist bump a player who’d been hit by a pitch 10u Blue’s 1st game, to continuing to demonstrate positive energy to everyone on the field, Grace has fully incorporated all aspects of sportsmanship and support into each game and training session. These lessons in leadership have been reinforced in Grace during every interaction with Titans Coaches Emma Yonkers, Izzy Giliana & Sophia Albrecht; who’ve taught through their example that character and work ethic count in softball, as well as in education and beyond.”

14U Gold Coach Rick Tekip

What is the Sammy Cipolla Award?

Every fall, the GTFA humbly presents the Sammy Cipolla Award to remember a player who greatly influenced her teammates and played with awe-inspiring enthusiasm.

We celebrate the Titans players who best epitomize Sammy's attributes, both on and off the field. One player is nominated from each team who:

• Shows courage and a calm inspiration by approaching seemingly challenging situations with confidence and ease;

• Exhibits a unique softball IQ;

• Displays a superior work ethic and passion for the game of softball;

• Raises the morale and performance of the entire team through her contagious, positive and enthusiastic nature, and;

• Demonstrates true camaraderie by always supporting teammates and celebrating their triumphs.

Other 2023 Nominees

Past Winners

2022 - Carlin Endre (14G)

Other nominees were Anna Bajakian, Anneliese Creta, Ruby Garrett, Susie Miller

2021 - Alex Arey (14G)

Other nominees were Victoria Bahramis (12U Blue), Georgia Freezor (12U White), Alex Hafemann (10U Gold), Gabriella Smith (10U Blue)

2020 - Ellie Karner (12U)
Other nominees were Nikki Steffen (16U), Laila Grodecki (12U Gold), Amelia Cheong (10U Gold) and Amanda Tunkel (10U Blue).

2019 - Delaney Turnbow (16U)
Other nominees were Mackenzie Ball (14U), Sophia Buckingham (12U Gold), Clara Adams (12U Blue), JuJu Miller (10U Gold) and Hannah Osacky (10U Blue).

2018 - Bridget Flowers Other nominees were Lily Golden (10U) and Kara Lindenmuth.

2017 - Sophia Buckingham (10U) Other nominees were Lucy Kramer (14U) and Grace Brobson (10U).

2016 - Rachel Koopersmith (12U) Other nominees were Elaina Golden (14U) and Clare Lanscioni (10U).

2015 - Kylie Coy (12U Blue) Other nominees were Bella Albrecht (16U Gold), Kat Klish (14U Gold), Emily Miller (12U Blue) and Alex Adams (10U Gold).

2014 - Winnie Tomsheck (14U)
Other nominees were Maia Blomberg (12U Gold), Penny McNeela (10U White), Amanda Souter (10U Blue) and Cami Sapienza (10U Gold).

2013 – Co-winners Maddie Kapsimalis (10U Gold) and Julia Bass (12U Gold)
Other nominees were Sarah Joseph (16U), Julia Sultz (14U), Kaylee Braasch (12U ) and Emma Rempe (10U ). 

2012 - Abby McCune (12U Blue)
Other nominees were Natalie Hayes (14U Gold), Lauren Meier (12U Gold), Alex Kleeman (10U Blue) and Emerson Sapienza (10U Gold).

2011 - Alexa Steil (12U Gold) Other nominees were Julia Bass, Julia Boesche, Sarah Joseph, Madison Kane, and Lainey McKinley.

2010 - Julia Williams