Minnesota Softball oversees the majority of the youth softball leagues throughout the state. This organization was established in 1925 to regulate competition and ensure fairness to all involved. Last year at their November directors meeting, they started a new award called the Brian Lindquist Director of the Year award which was awarded for the first time to Vic Wittgenstein of St. Paul. This year, the honor was awarded to Hastings’ own Cindy Lyon for her dedication to Hastings Youth Athletic Association’s (HYAA) softball programs over the years.
Lyon played fastpitch softball before schools had organized teams. She passed her love of the game to her daughter when she began coaching her in the early 90’s. She started the Hastings Softball Boosters during that time as well, which is still an important part of the High School’s softball program.
In 2000, Lyon joined HYAA as the Softball Director and has been involved in that role since. She was the Tri County League Secretary from 2002 to 2007 and was elected to the HYAA board as the President in 2004, a position she held for 18 years until she stepped down in 2022. She remains the Vice-President of the board since stepping down because of her love for the game and the kids in the program.
“Like many of us, we get into it because of our daughters,” said Lyon during her acceptance speech. “We stay in it, probably way past our kids for various reasons. And for all of you that have done it, I commend each of you. I still enjoy it today, but I know at some point my years will probably move on to other things. But it's a great honor, and I just feel really privileged, and particularly following the winner last year, who was Vic Wittgenstein and did many things for softball. Interestingly enough, his son is one of our board directors for HYAA, so that is kind of cool. It is kind of ironic that the things we coach with the girls, like winning is not everything, and through that there are many skills that it is fun to see these girls carry with them as they are off the field and move into life. Those things that contribute as they make it into adulthood. Then to see them come back with their kids in the program and they are now getting involved brings a new light to the whole thing. So, thank you very much, I am very honored.”
Congratulations Cindy Lyon and thank you for your dedication to Hastings Youth Softball.