13-year-old Mo’ne Davis, the extraordinary pitcher who last summer illustrated for the world that no matter age, gender or race, everyone has the ability to make an impact and inspire, has been named the 2014 SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS SPORTS KID OF THE YEAR . The announcement of her selection was made earlier today via Twitter by Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States, who tweeted:
“Congrats to @MoneDavis11 on becoming the @SIKids’ 2014 #SportsKid of the Year! You knocked it out of the park for girls everywhere. –mo”
“Mo’ne’s achievements rank among the finest by any athlete at any level this year,” said Sports Illustrated Kids Managing Editor Mark Bechtel. “She reminded us all-adults included-that there are no limits to what we can accomplish.”
Davis epitomizes grace, determination and poise as a unique athlete dominating on the baseball field and in the classroom. The honor roll student has helped her school sports teams capture 13 titles in basketball, soccer and baseball. This summer, as a member of Philadelphia’s Taney Dragons Little League team, Mo’ne became only the fourth female ever to play in the Little League World Series (LLWS), the first female pitcher to win a LLWS game in its 75 year history and the first female to pitch a shutout during the LLWS. A fitting tribute, Davis’ jersey will be displayed at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY. Notably, Davis was also the first Little Leaguer to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated (August 25, 2014). Davis will also be honored during the annual Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year ceremony scheduled for December 9 in New York City.
The annual Sports Illustrated Kids SportsKid of the Year honor was introduced in 2007 to recognize outstanding young athletes who excel on the field, in the classroom and in service to his/her community. Previous SportsKid of the Year honorees include
2013 Jack Wellman (Newtown, CT) – A three-sport star who while sidelined with a neck injury, Wellman uplifted Newton community by volunteer coaching of the local youth wresting team in the aftermath of a tragedy which took one of their teammates.
2012 Brothers Conner and Cayden Long (White House, TN) – The elder Connor competes in youth triathlons side-by-side with his brother Cayden, who suffers from cerebral palsy. Connor literally pushes Cayden in a stroller during the run portion of the competition as well as pulls Cayden in a raft during the swim and pulls him in a trailer during the bike race.
2011 Noah Flegel (Lighthouse Point, FL) – Flegel won the World Wakeboard Association’s World Championship. Noah was equally impressive in the classroom and also dedicated much of his time to organizing and cooking meals for the homeless in his community.
2010 Jessica Aney (Rochester, MN) – Aney became the first female to receive the honor. A two-sport athlete, with a perfect academic record, Jessica was one of the top ranked tennis players nationally in her age group and excelled at an elite level in ice hockey.
2009 Austin McCarthy (Ludington, MI) – McCarthy acquired 430 points with 63 hat tricks in only three years of playing. Off the ice, Austin was very involved in the community, working at a number of fundraising events to help raise money for his local hockey association and to help boost interest in hockey for other local children.
2008 Derek Andrews (Buffalo, NY) – Andrews, who despite suffering from an unknown muscle disorder, inspired the entire city through his participation in baseball, hockey, soccer, swimming and gymnastics.
2007 Brock Heffron (Chandler, AZ) – Heffron became the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Champion and the USA Cycling Champion in his age class. Away from the track Brock was a straight-A student and played on local football and baseball teams.
