SPC Sportsmanship Honors Go to Softball and Boys Tennis

Softball FWCD’s softball and boys tennis teams (coached by DeAnn Hall and Sil Azevedo) earned Spring Sportsmanship Awards from the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC), the athletic conference FWCD has belonged to since 1966.

Always committed to the best in sportsmanship as a league, SPC recently launched the awards program to honor individuals and teams in the conference who are particularly exemplary in their respect for the games they play and the competitors they face. The 2021-22 season launched the awards, which are voted on by league coaches. 

“We are honored to receive the spring SPC Sportsmanship Award. One of our team expectations is no matter the outcome, we always compete with class,” Hall said. “There are multiple softball teams in the SPC who conduct themselves in the same manner, and we appreciate the recognition.”

Azevedo was just as thrilled for the boys tennis team. “Since I started coaching at FWCD, I’ve noticed how polite they are on the court, often complimenting other players on good shots and such, and cheering with respect from the sidelines,” Azevedo said. “I always told them they are a classy team, and our athletes have kept this tradition. They compete with their whole heart, leave everything on the court, and are always cordial and respectful to their opponents.”

In a press release on the SPC website, the organization announced the award winners and shared the criteria for the awards. 

The SPC has two Sportsmanship Awards. One SPC Sportsmanship Award is given to an athlete from each SPC school who displays integrity and good sportsmanship. The individual award is presented to one athlete for each season from each school. For the 2021-22 season, FWCD senior student-athletes Brailey Connor (field hockey), Liz Hazelton (basketball), and Davis Ryder (softball) were the recipients.  

Additionally, a separate Sportsmanship Award is given each season to a team that stands above the others in their display of integrity and good sportsmanship during the season. A  Sportsmanship Award is given for each sport in each zone (or 3A/4A, when applicable) to the school with the most votes. Four FWCD teams won this award this season – boys volleyball, field hockey, softball, and boys tennis.  

“We take it for granted that our players, coaches, and fans will demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship,” said Leigh Block, Athletic Director. “It’s important to recognize our athletes and teams who go above and beyond, even though good sportsmanship is an expectation. We should be exceptionally proud that we are the only SPC school to have four teams honored.”

Photo: Softball FWCD’s softball and boys tennis teams (coached by DeAnn Hall and Sil Azevedo) earned Spring Sportsmanship Awards from the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC), the athletic conference FWCD has belonged to since 1966.