Little League® is pleased to name Athletes Unlimited (AU) as the recipients of the 2026 Little League International Chairman’s Award, which recognizes an individual/organization for their contribution and dedicated service to Little League. The award was presented to Kim Ng, Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) Commissioner, as part of the 29th Little League International Congress Opening Ceremonies, following a conversation with Jenny Dalton-Hill (AUSL Bandits General Manger and 2022 Little League Hall of Excellence Enshrinee) and Liz DiLullo Brown (Little League Executive Vice President) about the future of the game of softball at every level.
“Since the very early days when their league was just in its infancy stages, it quickly became clear how important the relationship between Athletes Unlimited and Little League could be for the future of the game of softball, but even more important for young female athletes,” said Steven P. Johnson, Little League International Board of Directors Chairman. “We are so grateful for everyone at Athletes Unlimited for their commitment to our strategic partnership, and we are honored to present this award to an organization that is working tirelessly to provide unlimited opportunities for girls everywhere.”
The strategic relationship between Little League and Athletes Unlimited began from the launch of the women’s professional sports league in 2020, bringing together Little League Softball® players and the world’s best softball athletes with a focus on growing excitement around the game and increasing both accessibility and racial diversity in the sport.
As part of the partnership, Little League and Athletes Unlimited work together throughout the year to coordinate live and digital events that provide engagement between Little Leaguers and professional softball players, promote and strengthen the Little League Girls with Game initiative, and develop interest in and access to the game of softball at every level and in every community.
In celebration of the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) kicking off in June 2025, Little League Softball teamed up with Athletes Unlimited to host the first-ever “Little League Softball Unlimited” events, bringing Little Leaguers® and professional softball players together in four major cities across the United States to help promote the new league’s locations. This year, the two organizations will continue to grow those opportunities in the game within the league’s markets, with more information to follow in the coming months.
“I want to thank you for this award and for this wonderful partnership. It is a symbol of the softball ecosystem. In the last couple of decades, from Little Leaguers to professionals, we’re seeing this incredible pipeline of players continuing to grow,” said Ng. “The days ahead for softball are so bright. Thank you again to Little League for the partnership and for the continued inspiration for our players.”
The pinnacle of the relationship has been seen each summer since 2023 with the AUSL Pro Games at the Little League Softball World Series, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, in Greenville, North Carolina. As part of the spotlight event, all the AUSL professional softball players come out to Greenville to play games at East Carolina University’s Max R. Joyner Family Stadium, just blocks away from where the 12 teams from around the world compete for a chance at the LLSWS Championship Banner. In addition to the on-field competition, AUSL players also visit Stallings Stadium at Elm Street Park, the home of the Little League Softball World Series, to interact with all 12 participating teams from around the world, providing each of them with a unique and memorable experience exclusive to this event.
The support of the Little League program goes far beyond just the organization itself, too, with individual athletes and staff showing their love for the world’s most trusted youth sports organization, ranging from Chicago Bandits General Manager Jenny Dalton-Hill serving as the MC of the 2026 Little League International Congress Opening Ceremonies to Tori Vidales selecting the Little League Girls with Game Initiative as her AUSL All-Star Cup charity in 2025. Throughout the year, AUSL athletes also take the time to support Little Leaguers at the local level, as well, including unique speaking opportunities through the Little League Softball Unlimited events in 2025 and panel discussions at events like the Girls with Game Experience in Williamsport each October.
A number of AUSL Athletes, past and present, first got their start on the Little League fields and today give back to the next generation of Girls with Game through this partnership. In 2023, thanks to the support of this ongoing relationship, Little League expanded its eligibility of its annual George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year Award to include the parents of any professional athlete and/or notable professional, with Colin and Trish Sandercock (Parents of Kathryn Sandercock) becoming the first softball family to earn the award, receiving the honor during Kathryn’s rookie season with Athletes Unlimited. In 2025, that award was earned by another AUSL athlete’s family, with Jolene and Dave Hoover (Parents of Carley Hoover) taking home the honor.
Below is the list of former Little League Chairman’s Award Recipients:
- 2007 – Bud Vanderberg
- 2010 – John Chadwick
- 2014 – Bill Carter
- 2018 – The Cadonau Family
- 2022 – Gerry Davis
Learn more about Athletes Unlimited and the new Athletes Unlimited Softball League by visiting AUProSports.com. To learn more about the Little League International Congress, visit LittleLeague.org/Congress.