Each year, the Firebirds and NVGSA award a $500 scholarship to a current or former Firebirds player in memory of Coach Randy Yates. Applications are due each year by May 31.

                                               

About Coach Yates:

Coach Yates had an illustrious career with NVGSA, the Firebirds, South County High School, and the SYA Xplosion. His players went on to play everywhere from college to the pros. He was so proud of his players and always tried to deflect any credit for their development. He epitomized the spirit of sportsmanship.

Coach Yates had more than 15 years of competitive coaching experience at both the high school and travel levels. Coach Yates was the Associate Head Coach at South County High School from 2005-2017, helping guide them to 7 District titles, 2 Regional titles, and a State championship in 2014. Coach Yates also coached the very successful ‘97 Firebirds to 19 tournament victories, including a VA ASA State Championship, USSSA State Championship, a top 5 (out of 55 teams) finish at an NSA World Series in Orlando, and a Pony Nationals Runner-up finish. Coach Yates was an experienced and respected instructor in the softball community and took teams to tournaments in Italy. He was the recipient of a Fairfax County Champion of Character Award, awarded annually to only 9 youth coaches, in any sport, who demonstrate the highest levels of character and sportsmanship.

 

Coach Yates continued to give back to the Firebirds, serving as an advisor to the club and helping our players improve. He was a friend and a mentor to many in the club. The entire NVGSA community, from the Firebirds through the Dimensions to our house program, is better today because of Coach Yates. Coach Yates passed away in December 2017.

 

Scholarship Eligibility:

Applicants must:

1. Be a high school senior graduating in the year of application.

2. Be planning to attend college (4-year or 2-year) beginning no later than the year following high school graduation. Applicants do not have to plan to play softball in college.

3. Be a current or former Firebird at the 16U and/or 18U level

4. Submit a completed application, by May 31, using this form (or email firebirdsfp@gmail.com for a paper version).

​

Application Form

​

Past Winners:

2018 - Paige Kelly and Grace Wilsey

2019 - Emily Cha and Meghan Lankford

2020 - Ella Meyer and Sarah Wilsey

2022 - Sammy Stuart

​