Mardela Softball Star Gives $1,000 to Challenger League

Salisbury, MD - Mardela High School softball standout Ava Twilley is giving back to her community. Twilley was named the Gatorade Maryland Softball Player of the Year. As part of that honor, she awarded a $1,000 grant to Challenger Little League.

The money will support Wicomico County's adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Mardela High School sits right here in Wicomico County, making the donation a true hometown gift. Twilley chose the organization because of the impact it has on local kids.

Every Gatorade Player of the Year receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner of their choice. The program is part of Gatorade's effort to break down barriers in sports and keep young people active. Youth sports participation has dropped over the past decade, often because of tighter budgets in communities, even though studies show young athletes tend to be happier, healthier and do better in school.

"The Gatorade Player of the Year award highlights student-athletes who set an example both on and off the field," said Cameron Pettigrew, Associate Marketing Manager for Gatorade Player of the Year. "The grants give these athletes a chance to donate to organizations like Challenger Little League that positively impacts the youth in their own communities."

Twilley is one of 610 Gatorade State Players of the Year who received a grant this year. Each winner can also submit a video explaining why their chosen organization deserves one of 12 Spotlight Grants, which come with an extra $10,000. So far, Player of the Year grants have added up to more than $6.4 million given to more than 2,200 organizations across the country.

Gatorade has a long history of supporting athletes and their communities. The company recently announced its Fuel Tomorrow commitment, a multi-year effort to give more people the chance to play sports and reach their potential. The initiative is meant to create lasting, positive change for young athletes everywhere.

Fans can follow Gatorade Player of the Year on Facebook and join the conversation on Twitter using #GatoradePOY. More information on the program, including nomination details, a full list of past winners and the announcement of the Gatorade National Player of the Year, can be found at PlayerOfTheYear.Gatorade.com.