2023 Male Player: Don Schlenbecker

Don Schlenbecker from Elk Grove Village played USSSA softball for 10 years, starting with Players INC in 1998. He joined KA Softball in 2001 and quickly jumped into the 2 spot in the lineup where he would remain for the next 7 seasons roaming the outfield with Dave Shaff and Lincoln Adams for 99.9% of the games. In his time with KA, he regularly hit over .700 en route to winning multiple All-Tournament Team selections and Offensive MVPs at the State, NIT, and National levels.  

Between 2001 and 2007 KA placed in the top 3 of over 50% of all tournaments they played in, and Don credits this to the type of players that embodied KA Softball. “We always knew that we would compete at the highest level, because when you prepare like our players did, your confidence remains high and steady even in the challenging times. Our guys just worked harder at their craft and stepped into their roles with more confidence than most of the teams we played.”  

Don greatest memories are the relationships that were built with the many players that came and went during his time on the field. He is extremely grateful for Pete Digioia and Players Inc Softball for introducing him to the game. “Pete is a lifelong friend, and a true leader in the softball community.” He appreciates the opportunity that was given to him to play for KA Softball by Ken Adams and Dave Shaff, and he feels blessed to have been a part of a group of guys who became family on the road, and to have been a little piece of Illinois softball that helped lay the foundation for where the younger players have taken it.