Arizona Softball Player Named 2009 Gay Athlete of the Year
Compete Magazine Names John Deffee as 2009 Athlete of the Year
TEMPE, AZ.—December 1, 2009—Continuing a tradition began last year, Compete, The Gay Sports Magazine has found its 2009 Athlete of the Year.
“I feel very proud and privileged for being chosen to receive recognition for this great honor. I look forward to not only still being part of gay athletics here in Phoenix, but also to continuing to positively promote and encourage participation in gay athletics both in our local community and on the national level,” said 2009 Athlete of the Year John Deffee. The Cactus Cities Softball League Commissioner was selected for his contribution the NAGAAA World Series 2009 Championship Team, Roscoes Coors Light HP2 Toros, as well as the work he’s done on the board his local softball league in Phoenix. “Serving as Commissioner for a league of this size can be a job in itself, and the fact that John managed to do this while simultaneously performing at the top level in the [NAGAAA] World Series cemented John’s standing as Athlete of the Year,” stated Editor Buddy Early.
Runners-up are Jim Ensor from Washington, DC and Eddie Chen from Long Beach, Calif. Jim serves as Goalie and President of the Federal Triangles Soccer Club, which hosted this year’s IGLFA World Championships last June; Eddie was rewarded Wrestling Without Borders’ Leadership Award on Memorial Day of this year.
Honorable Mentions go to Joey Jacinto of Phoenix and Wilson Villafana of New York City. Pick up the new issue of Compete for the full story.
2008 Athlete of the Year Jeff Kagan, HGTV Design Star Winner and host of Color Splash David Bromstad, race car driver Evan Darling, Phoenix Mercury Assistant Coach and former WNBA athlete Bridget Pettis, and three-time X-Games Gold Medalist Sarah Burke served as celebrity judges.
Compete, The Gay Sports Magazine’s 2009 Athlete of the Year is sponsored by Orbitz and Desires Hotel at San Juan Water & Beach Club.
Congratulations John! I could not be prouder of all your accomplishments. Keep up the good work with your constant support of gay athletics, all the mentorship, and time you devote to others. It is very admirable and this reward is well deserved!
ReplyDeletecongratulations john, well done
ReplyDelete