The Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association (DSBA) is hosting its 76th annual awards banquet in February at the Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront. The DSBA, a growing group of current and former sportswriters and broadcasters passionate about Delaware sports at all levels, accepted nominations for five awards: Delaware Team of the Year, Tubby Raymond Coach of the Year, Herm Reitzes Public Service Award, Buddy Hurlock Unsung Hero Award, and the John J. Brady Delaware Athlete of the Year.
The Wilmington University softball team was selected as the Delaware Team of the Year by a vote of the group. The team achieved an impressive 46-16 record during the spring of 2024, setting a school record for wins in a single season. Their accomplishments included winning the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) regular-season championship, the CACC tournament championship, the NCAA Division II East Region 1 tournament, and the NCAA Division II East Super Regional championship, all on their home field at Asbury Field. They advanced to the NCAA Division II World Series in Longwood, Florida, where they secured the University’s first-ever victory at a finals site in its NCAA era by defeating Augustana (South Dakota) 5-2. A significant factor in the Wildcats’ recognition was the contribution of 12 student-athletes from the state of Delaware.
Other nominees for the 2024 Delaware Team of the Year included the Dover High School boys basketball team, the Salesianum boys lacrosse team, the Caesar Rodney boys soccer team, the Delaware Veterans American Legion baseball team, the Padua Academy cross-country team, the Delaware State University volleyball team, and the Caravel Academy football team.
— Dan Lauletta
Photo credit: NCAA