María Soto Consolidates Her Regional Impact After Being Named Sports Executive of the Year

The sports leadership of María Soto was recognized after she was named Sports Executive of the Year 2025 by the Venezuelan Sports Journalists Circle (CPD), an honor that highlights her management, strategic vision, and sustained contribution to the development of sport in Venezuela and across the region.

Since 2022, María Soto has served as President of the Venezuelan Olympic Committee (COV), becoming the first woman to lead the national Olympic movement—an historic milestone that marked a new era of modernization, institutional strengthening, and international projection for Venezuelan Olympism.

Her influence extends beyond the national stage. Soto is part of the region’s sports leadership as Third Vice President of Centro Caribe Sports, an organization from which she actively contributes to the coordination of the Central American and Caribbean sports movement, promoting policies of integration, development, and cooperation among member countries.

One of the most significant achievements of her administration has been the revitalization of Venezuelan softball, a discipline that made a strong return to the international stage. Under her leadership, the Venezuelan Softball Federation was awarded Sports Organization of the Year after achieving historic results:
the men’s team was crowned world champion and ranked second in the world, while the women’s national team captured the Pan American title, reaffirming the country’s competitive growth in both categories.

Upon receiving the award, María Soto stated:

“This is an award for work carried out with passion and dedication, alongside a group of people who have done a great deal within the federation, the committee, and above all, within the coaching staff of each national team.”

This recognition further reinforces María Soto’s legacy, as her career continues to evolve from excellence as an athlete to high-impact leadership as a sports executive. Her management is distinguished by the integration of tangible results, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to Olympic values, while also promoting a model of sustainable sports development with long-term impact at both the national and regional levels.

Centro Caribe Sports Press – December 29, 2025