The Crystal Robbins Spirit Award
Introduced in 2014 as the WFL Spirit Award, this award was created to recognize one player that is the epitome of our league. After the tragic loss of Crystal Robbins from the Uptown Ballers during the 2014 season, I sought permission from Crystal's family to rename the Spirit Award in Crystal's honor. They were very appreciative of the gesture and enthusiastically endorsed the new name.
As you can tell from reading the 'In Memorium' page, Crystal Robbins epitomized the word Spirit to her fellow teammates on the Uptown Ballers.
Not every player can be a superstar on the field, but they can certainly come to the field and be a superstar in all other aspects. The league presents a unique opportunity for someone to compete, network amongst their peers and enjoy being around their teammates whether they are winning and losing.
2014 Crystal Robbins Spirit Award
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Tippareth Piper (Big Red) - Tippareth returned to the WFL in 2014 after a couple of seasons away from the league. For the first time, she had a team that was centered around her work group in Ft Mill. Throughout the season, Tippareth would send in her thoughts and tweets about the 'big' game that her team had just played. She remained competitive throughout the season making sure that Big Red got enough press on the website, Facebook and Twitter. While the Big Red may have struggled through their first season, their dugout was always one of the most boisterous (in a good way) in the league. Lots of laughter and cheers of encouragement led by TIppareth amongst others in the dugout.
2015 Crystal Robbins Spirit Award
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Dairelyn Glunt (Wells Royals) - Dairelyn Glunt came into the league with a new team and never having been a part of the WF league. Dairelyn was one of those that made everyone around her enjoy the game no matter how much her team struggled and if the other team was struggling. Even going so far as bantering with the umpires to give her team an edge. Dairelyn had a contagious smile that seemed to make every game she played in enjoyable. Dairelyn had this to say about winning the Crystal Robbins Spirit Award, "It is such an honor to be recognized as the reciepient of an award which calls to memory the courage and compassion that Crystal lived and shared with you all. I will cherish it and do my best to walk the worhty of her legacy. Thank you!"
2016 Crystal Robbins Spirit Award
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Erika Garcia (Wells Royals) - Erika Garcia played her 2nd WFL season in 2016. She won the hearts of all of the umpires with her inviting smile and upbeat demeanor behind the plate in the catcher position. No matter how her team was doing on the field, Erika continued to have fun out there. Erika was very excited to not only be nominated, but to be the recipient of the award. "Now that I know what it represents, I am very honored and excited to win this award." Erika is the 2nd Wells Royals player to be named the recipient of the Crystal Robbins Spirit Award.