The 2022 Softball SID Awards and SID of the Year

Since the 2022 college softball season ended, we’ve awarded college softball players; coaches; even broadcasters for their work this year.

One group of people has yet to be recognized. Often – sometimes always – behind the scenes, it’s the group that makes the college softball motor run. The people that compile statistics, foster stories, shepherd media coverage, and a lot of other things that wouldn’t fit on a business card.

Sports Information Directors – SIDs – are an ever-underappreciated bunch. Here at Extra Inning Softball, though, we decided to do some appreciating of this vital group of individuals. And since it’s apparently award season around these parts, of course we had to add some pomp, circumstance, and a fun graphic as we announce…

The 2022 Softball SID Awards

There are a lot of really stellar SIDs in the college softball world; only a handful could see their names mentioned here. Onto the awards!

Newcomer of the Year: Grace Tafolla, Arkansas

Tafolla signed on as the Arkansas SID after the season had already begun, taking over as the Hogs’ comms gal in week two of the regular season. Despite her late arrival, Tafolla did a stellar job running the off-field show for the eventual SEC champions, ultimately promoting a team that hosted both a regional and Super Regional and had some of the nation’s biggest breakout stars. Less than a year into work as a full-time SID, Tafolla vaulted herself into the conversation of the best SIDs in the game’s best league.

Best Social Media: Weston Pletcher, Wichita State

Pletcher had a lot of content to work with this season, considering that Wichita State’s lineup included the nation’s batting leader Sydney McKinney and 20-20 star Addison Barnard. The Shockers’ offense also topped their home run total from the season prior, and all-of-the-above gave Pletcher and his crew plenty of fodder for social media use. Whether graphics, tweets, or simply promotion of the program, the WSU social media presence, under Pletcher’s shepherding, was stellar.

Best Graphic Editing: Dan Hamilton, South Florida

Hamilton’s graphic abilities were on full display during Georgina Corrick’s incredible statistical year. Whether photoshopping Corrick’s face onto a photo of an actual goat or utilizing pop culture references to the enjoyment of the South Florida program’s Twitter following, the creativity of Hamilton and Co. was on full display. Their efforts in the graphic department also buoyed the exposure of Corrick’s efforts on a national level.

Best Tournament Relations: Herb Brooks, Florida

Brooks’ communications department hosted the SEC tournament in Gainesville this year, and did so in quality fashion. Brooks, the sole softball-only SID in the nation, helmed an admirable approach that included multi-faceted press conferences in the wee hours of the morning after every tournament game. The same group shepherded a similar approach to the Gainesville regional a week later.

Best Game Notes: Joe Carmany, Liberty

Carmany’s preparation, notations, and game preparation are second-to-none. One of the longest-tenured softball SIDs in Division 1, Carmany has helmed the Liberty communication efforts with expertise. His game notes, media guide, and other resources are a treasure trove of notations and facts.

Best Dual Threat: Scott Hall, Marshall

Hall wears multiple hats on gameday – in addition to serving as the Herd’s SID, he also calls the program’s games on the radio. Hall first promotes the program well, but his dual-hat roles underscore his quality work. His game calls are also solid and well-oiled. Also a veteran, he has been part of the Herd for more than 1,000 games on the diamond.

Career Achievement Award: Brian Davis, Texas

Hanging up his SID keyboard after this year, Davis’ career has spanned a pair of UTs – after first serving as media contact at Tennessee, he spent the last near-decade at Texas. Both times, his work with the respective softball programs was top-of-the-line; upon his retirement from the softball press box after Texas’ WCWS run this season, he was the Dean of Power 5 Softball SIDs.

Patrick Dunn is 2-2 in national championships as the Oklahoma softball SID. That’s a pretty solid batting average. Dunn has the whole package as an SID – an ever-growing social media presence, excellent media relations, quality presentation of the student-athletes and coaches, and a great handle on the communications aspect of his job. Not because Oklahoma is the national champion, but because of his excellent work, Dunn is our 2022 Softball SID of the Year.