Kyra Strutt honoured for her dedication to softball

By Joan Janzen

LEADER – Kyra Strutt, from Leader, was awarded a $500 Ed Mann Bursary at Softball Saskatchewan’s annual awards luncheon in Regina on October 25. As one of this year’s recipients, sixteen-year-old Kyra received the award because of her evident love for the sport, which shows in everything she does. Twice a week, Kyra travels over three hours for practices in Swift Current, as it has been a few years since she had a local team to join.

Mark Carnduff presenting Kyra Strutt with the Ed Mann Memorial Bursary. PHOTO BY LACY STRUTT

She was recognized for coaching the U13 Leader Expos team, along with the U13 District 3 team, which practiced out of Swift Current. In addition to her passion for softball, she participates in high school and competitive volleyball with the Southwest Raiders, and still finds time to volunteer in her school and community.

Each year, the bursary is awarded to Saskatchewan female athletes in honour of Ed Mann’s legacy, who served as president of Softball Saskatchewan from 1984 to 1992. Kyra was chosen because of her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to giving back to her community. In the future, she plans to attend college or university and continue playing softball and volleyball.

The teen said she was honoured to receive the bursary and enjoyed passing along the skills and knowledge she has learned from her coaches. Her dedication to sport was evident when she made it back home in time to play the final game of her home volleyball tournament—and win the gold medal.