Ben McKinney Award
This award will be presented to a TCIC coach who has shown the qualities of coach Ben!

Photo : Coach Ben winning the first TCIC event in 2021

2023 - Rob Campbell

Ben, or "Coach Ben" as most knew him, was a man of many titles: Dad, Pops, loving partner, mentor, and friend. He found his passion as an advocate for the game he loved and the young women who played it.
His journey in softball was marked by his unwavering dedication to the sport and to the people around him. He spent countless hours on the field, in the cages, on the phone, and at the computer, always with the same goal: to develop players and provide them with opportunities to achieve their dreams. For him, it was never about personal recognition; it was always about the players and their success.

His commitment to the sport was evident in every aspect of his coaching. He was known for his tireless work ethic, his strategic mind, and most importantly his ability to see the big picture. He understood that winning was not the ultimate measure of success. Instead, he valued the process, the growth, the development, and the relationships built along the way. He coached thousands of games and won many of them, but what he cherished most were the stories of his players' achievements and the impact he had on their lives and theirs on his. 
His competitive spirit was balanced by his deep sense of empathy and support for his players. He held them accountable, but always from a place of love and encouragement. He loved watching his players succeed and celebrated their hard work and dedication. He never turned down an opportunity to help a player or family, and his influence extended far beyond the field.
One of the highlights of his career was coaching the USA 18u team. Wearing "USA" across his chest and traveling to Cuba to coach internationally were moments he treasured deeply. He could talk for hours about his experiences in Havana and the incredible talent he had the privilege to work with. These moments were a testament to his skills as a coach, his passion for the game and the love for all the players he coached.
To remember Coach Ben is to remember a man who loved his family and a man who pursued his passion for the betterment of others. He loved every detail and aspect of the game. He was just as excited to plan practice as he was to compete for a championship, he just loved it. He was dedicated to seeing his players achieve their goals and understood the importance of the human element in sports. His legacy is one of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the potential of his players.
We miss him more than words can describe, but we are incredibly thankful for Manny and TCS IC for recognizing his lifelong dedication to the sport and empowering young women to achieve their goals. Coach Ben's impact will continue to be felt for generations to come, and his memory will always be a source of inspiration for all who knew him.

With heartfelt gratitude, 
Brittany, Stephanie, Trina, Taryne & Lincoln