Yvonne Michnik was inducted into the Softball Saskatchewan Hall of Fame. (Battlefords Minor Softball Association Inc./Facebook)

By Austin Mattes

Softball Sask Hall of Fame

‘I just wanted to give back’: Local softball legend gets rewarded for her years of dedication

Oct 31, 2024 | 2:59 PM

From coaching and supervising tournaments to attending meetings, playing the game and helping it grow, Yvonne Michnik has made the sport of softball a large part of her life for over 50 years, and after all these years, her dedication and passion hasn’t gone unnoticed.

This past week, Michnik was inducted into the Softball Saskatchewan Hall of Fame as a Builder for her contributions and leadership that helped promote the game across the province for many years.

“I didn’t expect it. I never thought that that I would get an award like this. It was breathtaking and brought me to tears. I had so many people congratulate me and that means a lot to me, I was overwhelmed because softball is just so dear to my heart and it’s the sport I love so much” Michnik said about receiving the award.

Michnik started her softball career as a catcher and since then fell in love with the game. She played in the Western Canada Championship, where she was an All-Star with the Golden Gems. Following her playing days, she spent time coaching and inspiring players, which eventually led her to becoming the District 7 Director for Softball Saskatchewan for 27 years.

As the director, she oversaw the area of Battlefords, Unity, Rosetown, Lloydminster, Meadow Lake and beyond. During her time as a director, she did everything from supervise countless tournaments, contribute to committees, serve as president, help develop the game and the list goes on.

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Michnik said the reason for all her hard work was simply because of her love for the game and that she wanted to give back.

“I just wanted to give back and there’s so many young kids that want to be in the sport and I just wanted to help them through their journey as well as the journey I had. As a director, I took my job very, very seriously, I wanted everybody in my district to know who I was. I didn’t think it was a big job, it was a job that I loved and it was very rewarding helping a sport I enjoyed.”

Even though happy to receive the reward, Michnik says the best part of all this was the friends she made along the way and making an impact on people.

“I’m very grateful that I did it this because I met a lot of wonderful people out there, I’ve formed so many friends. I hope I have made an impact and that people get out there and try softball because I know they will enjoy it.”

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austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes