SAMMY CIPOLLA AWARD
About the Sammy Cipolla Award
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.
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.
2025 Award Winner
Mari Tan
“Throughout my time with Mari on our team, I warm myself in the golden moments of every interaction or observation. Whether it was the joy of seeing her lead her little sister in a group with Titans of Tomorrow, or the unique visual of watching her pitch us to a Badger Bash championship while covered in cicadas, the simple fact is that this remarkable young woman landed at home with our team. I’m extremely proud of Mari, and am endlessly thankful that she has given of herself to her teammates—and to me.”
16U Coach Rick Tekip
Pictured: Mari Tan (middle) with teammates Mira Wennlund & Jayla Simpao
2025 Nominees
Grace Miller 14u Gold
Olivia Andrews 14u Blue
Arya Akash 12u White
Emma Hidaka 10u Blue
Elle Mooses 10u Gold
Adelaide Thiel 12u Gold (not pictured)
Past Sammy Cipolla Award Winners
2024
Hannah Starr (14G) & Alyssa Carlson (16)
Other nominees: Ava Reese, Maddie Ratner
2023
Grace Tekip (14G)
Other nominees: Hailey Hunt, Dani Carlson, Emily Fahey, and Haley Bein
2022
Carlin Endre (14G)
Other nominees: Anna Bajakian, Anneliese Creta, Ruby Garrett, Susie Miller
2021
Alex Arey (14G)
Other nominees: Victoria Bahramis, Georgia Freezor, Alex Hafemann, Gabriella Smith
2020
Ellie Karner (12U)
Other nominees: Nikki Steffen, Laila Grodecki, Amelia Cheong, Amanda Tunkel
2019
Delaney Turnbow (16U)
Other nominees: Mackenzie Ball, Sophia Buckingham, Clara Adams, JuJu Miller, Hannah Osacky
2018
Bridget Flowers
Other nominees: Lily Golden, Kara Lindenmuth
2017
Sophia Buckingham (10U)
Other nominees: Lucy Kramer, Grace Brobson
2016
Rachel Koopersmith (12U)
Other nominees: Elaina Golden, Clare Lanscioni
2015
Kylie Coy (12B)
Other nominees: Bella Albrecht, Kat Klish, Emily Miller, and Alex Adams
2014
Winnie Tomsheck (14U)
Other nominees: Maia Blomberg, Penny McNeela, Amanda Souter, Cami Sapienza
2013
Maddie Kapsimalis (10G) and Julia Bass (12G)
Nominees: Sarah Joseph , Julia Sultz, Kaylee Braasch, Emma Rempe
2012
Abby McCune (12B)
Other nominees: Natalie Hayes , Lauren Meier, Alex Kleeman, Emerson Sapienz
2011
Alexa Steil (12G)
Other nominees: Julia Bass, Julia Boesche, Sarah Joseph, Madison Kane, Lainey McKinley
2010
Julia Williams
