Danny Winders (pictured left) was USA Softball of Southern California's 2017 Umpire of the Year!  His dedication and professionalism both on and off the field is a precedent to be emulated. Danny has been a registered umpire with SoCal for 19 years and has been involved in many roles throughout the softball community including League President to Umpire Extraordinaire!

Michael Young (pictured left) USA Softball of Cincinnati is doing what he does best, calling pitch at the 18U Gold in Oklahoma City OK.  Michael earned his Elite umpire award in a very short time of being an umpire. He never misses the opportunity to enhance his training and sharing his knowledge with other men and women in blue. 

Mike Colie (pictured left) of Champion Officials Association, USA Softball of Piedmont Va., doing one of the things he enjoys the most, discussing umpiring with other umpires after a game. Mike is a leader on and off the field.

Ashley Lewis from Duluth, Minn. displays great GPA. Ashley started umpiring following a playing and coaching career at St. Cloud State. She has been a USA Softball Umpire for three years.

Dan Smith from Pine City, Minn. tries to get the best look while working with and staying behind the catcher. Dan is a 17-year USA Softball Umpire, is a Slow Pitch Deputy UIC in Minnesota and has become a great clinician for USA Softball Umpires.

Roy LaPorte (Montgomery, Ala.) is entering his 11th season as a USA Softball Umpire. He umpires both Fast and Slow Pitch, but primarily works the JO Fast Pitch game in Alabama. Roy is very dedicated to the game and is a big part of the USA Softball of Alabama program, serving it in many different ways.

Even though umpiring is his favorite thing to do, Steve Allen also loves helping out in any way he can. He cooks at Championships, checks bats when help is needed, and loves teaching umpires when time allows. He is always the first to volunteer to help USA Softball of Michigan in any way.