Little League® has named Dave and Jolene Hoover as the recipients of the 2025 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year Award, recognizing their unwavering dedication to the development and well-being of their daughters, Carley and Hayley, and their steadfast commitment to the values of the Little League program.
The Hoovers, parents of the 2008 Little League Softball® World Series champion and current Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) athlete Carley Hoover, embody what it means to be supportive sports parents. Their story is one of long drives, selfless sacrifice, and a focus on fun, growth, and encouragement from the very beginning.
“One of our most prestigious honors, the George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year Award, celebrates the parents who exemplify the values of Little League and are dedicated to creating a positive and meaningful experience for their children,” said Pat Wilson, Little League President and CEO. “Dave and Jolene Hoover are the embodiment of that commitment and a positive example for the millions of parents around the world who trust in our program.”
Carley’s athletic path didn’t begin on the diamond — it started on the gridiron, where she dreamed of playing professional football. When it became clear that football wasn’t a long-term option, Dave suggested she give softball a shot. That decision would change her life.
With the closest Little League program more than an hour from their Simpsonville, South Carolina, home, Dave committed to drive Carley to practices and games four times a week — a sacrifice that fueled a dream. After three seasons of building a strong team, the Simpsonville squad reached the 2008 Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Oregon, where Carley led the team to a championship.
While Dave provided the rides and support from the sidelines, Jolene, the winningest volleyball coach in Clemson University history, was inspiring her daughters differently. Both Carley and Hayley were raised around high-level athletics and learned valuable life lessons by watching their mother’s teams. Jolene’s volleyball players became role models and helped normalize competitive sports environments for the girls at a young age.
“A big part of both of our daughters’ success in life, and certainly in sports, was being exposed to Jolene’s team,” said Dave. “They always felt like they belonged.”
Now a professional pitcher in the AUSL, Carley credits her parents with being the bedrock of her development, both on and off the field.
“I felt like my parents went out of their way 24/7 to make whatever my dreams were come true,” said Carley. “I am not me without them.”
Beyond support and sacrifice, Dave and Jolene emphasized joy and perspective throughout their daughters’ sports journeys. Whether it was turning drills into games, grabbing ice cream after practice, or encouraging participation in multiple sports, the Hoovers kept the focus on balance, development, and enjoyment.
“We were just regular parents who wanted the best for our kids,” said Dave. “Little League was a huge springboard. It let them know what’s possible — if you set goals, work hard, and dream.”
The George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year Award, established in 1980, was created to honor the parents of MLB players who played significant roles in their child’s Little League journey. In 2022, the criteria expanded to celebrate the increasingly diverse backgrounds of individuals who started their journeys on the Little League diamond, from professional athletes to leaders in other fields.
Dave and Jolene Hoover’s story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that positive parenting, encouragement, and a love for the game can have on a child’s life.
They will be formally recognized during the 2025 Little League Softball World Series, where their journey — and Carley’s — first reached a national stage 17 years ago.
