Already months into its Girls with Game 50 (#GWG50) Celebration, honoring 50 years of girls and women in the program as well as the establishment of the Little League Softball^® program in 1974, Little League^® is gearing up for its most memorable “Summer of Softball” to date in 2024.

“As we continue to see a rise in popularity around women’s sports, including an increased interest in our own Little League Softball program, we are thrilled to bring another eventful Summer of Softball to life in 2024,” said Ashlea Miller, Little League Director of Softball Development. “Since 2018, we have seen about an 8% increase in participation within our softball program, and as we continue to grow the experiences, opportunities, and increased visibility that these events provide, we are beyond excited for what is in store for 2024 and beyond.”

In addition to the excitement already surrounding the year-long #GWG50 Celebration, fans from all around the world will be turning their attention to the softball diamond this summer for a number of exciting opportunities, milestones, and marquee events including:

Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball’s AUX and Championship Seasons

Officially kicking off on June 10 at Wilkins Stadium, the home of Wichita State Softball, the 2024 AUX Season will feature 42 athletes playing in 18 games. Later in the summer, Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball will return to its home in Rosemont, Illinois, for its Championship Season slate running begins on July 26. For more information, including how to get tickets to both AUX and AU Championship Season, can be found at auprosports.com/softball. 

Alumnae Competing at the Women’s College World Series

From May 30 through June 6/7, the top collegiate softball players will head to Oklahoma City for the 2024 Women’s College World Series to compete for the championship title, including many players and coaches who got their start on the Little League fields. In addition to this year’s alumnae, Little League has seen a number of incredible Girls with Game make their way from the Little League Softball World Series to the Women’s College World Series.

Little League Softball^® on ESPN Platforms

With the first Region Tournament matchups slated to begin on Saturday, July 20, Little Leaguers^® from across the United States will begin their “Road to Greenville” on the biggest stage with games from all seven Little League Softball U.S. Regions being broadcast on ESPN Platforms leading up to the World Series. For the full schedule of games, including information on how to watch each of the Region Tournaments, visit LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries.

Junior and Senior League Softball World Series Tournaments

As Little League Softball celebrates its 50^th Anniversary this year, fans are also encouraged to celebrate the teenage division World Series events with the Junior League Softball World Series set to take place from July 28 through August 3 in Kirkland, Washington, while the Senior League Softball World Series will take place from July 29 through August 4 in Lower Sussex, Delaware. All of these games are scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN+. 

Little League Softball World Series, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods (50^th Anniversary)

The biggest spotlight is set to shine from August 4-11 as the Little League Softball World Series celebrates its 50^th Anniversary, welcoming 12 teams from around the world to its home in Greenville, North Carolina, for a chance to compete for the championship banner. This year’s event is presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods for the first time in the event’s history and will feature special guests and celebrations throughout in honor of the anniversary year. For the second year in a row, the championship game will also be featured on ABC with all other games scheduled to be broadcasted across ESPN Platforms.

AU Pro Games at the Little League Softball World Series, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods

After a successful first year that brought a historic event to the home of the Little League Softball^® World Series, Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball is set to return to Greenville, North Carolina, on August 6-7 for a second year of fun and excitement with the 2024 AU Pro Games. In addition to serving as the presenting sponsor of the 50^th Anniversary of the Little League Softball World Series, DICK’S Sporting Goods has also been named as the presenting sponsor of the 2024 AU Pro Games at the LLSWS, furthering their commitment to creating opportunities for girls and women in sports across the board.

Girls with Game Experience at the Home of the Little League Baseball^® World Series

For the third-straight year, NCAA Division I college softball programs and aspiring Little Leaguers will be welcomed to the home of the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the Girls with Game Experience on October 11-12. This year’s event will once again feature a coach’s clinic on Friday, October 11, as well as a player’s clinic on Saturday, October 12, before an exhibition doubleheader between a pair of college softball programs. More information about the event, including participating teams and clinic information, will be made available later this summer. 

While the Girls with Game 50 Celebration will officially be concluding in December, the core learnings and strategy behind the initiative have set the foundation for Little League’s strategic initiatives around female inclusion moving forward, including a goal of providing equal participation opportunities for girls in the Little League program, as well as a 30% increase in female coaches, by 2032.

To learn more about all divisions of the Little League Softball program, including how to get involved and to find a program near you, visit LittleLeague.org/Softball. The 2024 Little League Softball World Series, AU Pro Games at the LLSWS, and the #GWG50 Celebration are all proudly supported by DICK’S Sporting Goods, a long-time Little League partner that is committed to creating opportunities for girls and women in sports and will be activating around key events and milestones this year.

The post Little League® Gearing Up for the Most Memorable “Summer of Softball” to Date appeared first on Little League.

“We are thrilled to announce that Greenville will continue to serve as the home for the Little League Softball World Series for the next few years and we look forward to continue to work with the entire community to bring this event to the next level,” said Ashlea Miller, Little League Softball World Series Tournament Director and Little League Director of Softball Development. “The ‘Road to Greenville’ has become a phrase that thousands of our girls and their families have come to dream about as they journey to become one of the 12 lucky teams to participate in our event. We are thankful to all the volunteers and staff who have continued to invest their time, effort, and excitement into making this event special each and every year.”

Since its debut as host of the event in 2021, which was made up of all teams from the United States due to challenges from the coronavirus pandemic, the LLSWS in Greenville has continued to grow each year since. In 2022, the event saw the return of international teams to the tournament as it became the most watched event in five years, and in 2023 welcomed professional softball athletes from Athletes Unlimited to town as part of a historic event with the first-ever AU Pro Games at the LLSWS. In addition to the excitement both in town and on the field, the City of Greenville was brought into the homes of millions of fans around the world as the 2023 Little League Softball World Series championship game was showcased on ABC for the first time in the event’s history.

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Little League and ensure that the Little League Softball World Series will continue to call Greenville home,” said P.J. Connelly, Greenville Mayor. “Our community looks forward to welcoming the players and their families for years to come, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to make it an experience they will never forget.”

Located just inland off the North Carolina Coast, the City of Greenville is filled with accommodations to fulfill the needs of visitors from all over the world and provides visitors a balance of front-porch hospitality and the amenities of a metropolitan university town. In its first three years of hosting the event, the City of Greenville and all the volunteers who come to support it have fully embraced Little League’s purpose, mission, and value and have provided an enhanced experience for the participants, families, and fans from all around the world.

The announcement of the extension also comes during National Volunteer Week, an annual celebration of volunteers around the world, like those from the Greenville Little League program who make up the majority of the Little League Softball World Series Committee and are responsible for making the event a fun and memorable experience each year.

Since 1974, the Little League Softball World Series has provided girls with a meaningful experience to interact with their peers and compete against communities from around the world. Hosted and operated largely by Little League volunteers, the annual event brings thousands of visitors together each summer in Greenville for a week of competitive softball and memorable moments. The LLSWS features top competition from around the world and a unique opportunity for young female athletes to make new friends while interacting and experience a number of different cultures.

The 2024 Little League Softball World Series, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, is set to take place from August 4-11 at Stallings Stadium at Elm Street Park. Additionally, fans and participants will once again have the unique opportunity to experience the AU Pro Games at the LLSWS, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, as Athletes Unlimited Professional Softball players and their staff return to Greenville for two days of interaction, including a doubleheader at ECU on August 7.

LLSWS INFO AU PRO GAMES INFO

This year’s festivities will also showcase the Little League Girls with Game 50 Celebration as leagues and volunteers from around the world join together to recognize 50 years of girls and women in the Little League program as well as celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Little League Softball World Series.

The 2024 Little League Softball World Series, AU Pro Games at the LLSWS, and the #GWG50 Celebration are all proudly supported by DICK’S Sporting Goods, a long-time Little League partner that is committed to creating opportunities for girls and women in sports and will be activating around key events and milestones this year. To learn more about the Little League Softball World Series, and to start planning your trip to experience the event first-hand in Greenville, visit LittleLeague.org/LLSWS.

About The City of Greenville

Located just inland from North Carolina’s beautiful crystal coast, Greenville is the thriving economic, medical, educational, and cultural hub of eastern North Carolina. Home to East Carolina University, ECU Health Medical Center, a thriving downtown district, and numerous other parks and amenities, Greenville is a place where no matter where you turn, you will find yourself in good company.

The post Little League Softball® World Series to Remain in Greenville Through 2027 appeared first on Little League.

In the more than two decades that Lisa Uber has spent as a volunteer Little League® coach, she has coached across all divisions of play. As each of her children grew up, she moved up with them, both in baseball and softball. Even when her grandkids entered the picture, she again found herself starting at the youngest division – Tee Ball.  

Today, her kids and grandkids are grown up, but Ms. Uber continues to step out onto the field as a Tee Ball coach for Walkertown (N.C.) Little League.  

“The Tee Ball division is my favorite age to coach. I think coaches and volunteers who are worried about taking on that youngest division don’t understand the impact they could have on the players,” said Ms. Uber. “Everything starts at the Tee Ball level, and it is so rewarding to be a part of the molding and shaping of these young lives, knowing that when they step off the field for the last time that season, they have learned important lessons not just about the game, but about life, too.”  

Recognized as the April 2024 Little League Diamond Leader of the Month, as part of the Girls with Game 50 Celebration, Ms. Uber recently shared her experience in a Diamond Leader Discussion: 

From your experience with the Little League Diamond Leader Training Program, why do you think it is important for not just coaches, but for all volunteers to take the training?    

I think there are coaches who approach the game with a win–at-all-costs attitude, and this training program teaches the other aspects of coaching and other things that you need to be a good coach. I have always tried to coach with the mindset that it is not all about winning. I want to teach my players how to win, but I also want to teach them how to handle a loss, too. I want to teach them how to be good leaders, good teammates, and be respectful towards others, which is not always a coach’s mindset when they go into that first practice. The Diamond Leader training helps put everything into perspective.  

This year marks the 50^th Anniversary of the Little League Softball^® World Series, and 50 years of girls being allowed to participate in the Little League program. What does the Girls with Game 50 celebration mean to you as a female playing an active role in the program? 

I think it is important for the young players, boys and girls, to see females in that strong, leadership role and to respect females in that role the same way they respect men. From my experience, players are receptive to it and appreciate when they see a woman out on the field who knows what she is doing and shows that she can lead them not only when they win a game, but when they lose a game, too. Women need to be visible in this sport, they need to be out there showing they can be a strong role model, and they need to show that women can not only handle the responsibilities of being a coach, but they can do it well, too.  

What does it mean to you to be a Diamond Leader for the youngest age of Little Leaguers^®? 

Each practice, I pick a player to be a leader for the day and they all take it very seriously, working hard to lead by example. For me, that is success. When the Little Leaguers are teaching and leading by example at age five or six, it really hits me in the heart in the best way. So, to be a Diamond Leader for this age of players is rewarding. This training really pushes coaches to see that it is not all about winning and recognize that we have young lives we are helping shape as they grow and that all starts on the ball field. Developing players into leaders, understanding what each child can do, and pushing them to be their best is what a Diamond Leader in this program should be doing.  

The Little League Diamond Leader program, which was first piloted with nearly 1,000 Little League volunteers throughout the 2022 season, was created as part of the Susan Crown Exchange’s Million Coaches Challenge and developed in coordination with the Aspen Institute’s Project Play. Focused on ensuring children have a positive, well-rounded experience on and off the field, the Little League Diamond Leader Training Program is a FREE educational resource that provides coaches with an understanding of the impact that mental, social, and emotional well-being has in youth sports through detailed information, interactive scenarios, and a variety of additional resources. Learn more and become a Diamond Leader yourself by visiting LittleLeague.org/DiamondLeader. 

Become a Diamond Leader

NOTE: The Little League Diamond Leader Discussions is a piece of the #GWG50 Celebration in 2024, with interviews of select Girls with Game who have completed the Little League Diamond Leader training program and exemplify their learnings at their local fields. To learn more about this initiative, visit LittleLeague.org/GWG50. The #GWG50 celebration is proudly supported by DICK’S Sporting Goods, a long-time Little League partner that is committed to creating opportunities for girls and women in sports and will be activating around key events and milestones this year. 

The post Little League® Diamond Leader Discussions: Lisa Uber appeared first on Little League.

Following yet another successful 2024 Girls with Game^® Month celebration, and as local leagues get their spring seasons underway, Little League^® and DICK’S Sporting Goods are proud to announce an extension of their partnership, furthering their commitment to local Little League programs, families, and communities.

“Since the beginning of this partnership, DICK’S Sporting Goods has been committed to creating a positive impact in Little League communities, where the grassroots of our program comes to life, while also providing engaging opportunities when Little League is on the biggest stage at our World Series events,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer. “We are so proud to extend our partnership and to create new ways to enhance the Little League program and support our long-term vision. We look forward to an exciting year of firsts in 2024 and more importantly look forward to an even more exciting future over the next two years.”

The official partnership began in 2017 and the relationship between DICK’S Sporting Goods has continued to grow in scope and support of Little League, including the commitment of resources to Little League programs at the local level. Through the partnership, Little League has also created unique ways to celebrate The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, including the annual “Sports Matter Monday” activations during the Little League Baseball^® World Series, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s Equipment Grant Program, and its ongoing support of Little League’s female inclusion initiatives.

Additionally, DICK’S Sporting Goods has expanded its partnership of Little League to include:

• Becoming a proud supporter of the Little League Girls with Game 50 Celebration and the organization’s overall female initiative strategy.
• Serving as the first-ever presenting sponsor of the Little League Softball^® World Series in 2024, which includes broadcast and presence-building assets, and extended support of the 50^th Anniversary of the event.
• Signing on as the presenting sponsor of the Athletes Unlimited Pro Games at the Little League Softball World Series starting in 2024, furthering their support of the sport from the grassroots level to the professional stage.

• Supporting the resources for Little League’s youngest divisions of play, including presenting sponsorship of “The Basics” video series.
• Providing enhanced benefits and resources to local leagues and families through GameChanger, which is owned and operated by DICK’S Sporting Goods, The Official Team Management Technology Partner of Little League.
• Offering ongoing equipment support of LLWS tournaments through A.D. Starr, the Official Ball Supplier of the Little League World Series.

“Championing youth sports has always been a priority for our company, which is why we are thrilled to extend our partnership with Little League Baseball & Softball and to have the opportunity to continue to support all of their programming,” said Mark Rooks, VP of Creative, Sponsorships and Entertainment at DICK’S Sporting Goods. “Together, we are equipping youth athletes with the tools they need to succeed in sport and instilling values of teamwork and sportsmanship that will endure long after their playing careers are over.”

As part of this continued relationship, DICK’S Sporting Goods has strengthened their commitment to deepening Little League connections in local communities, supporting the youngest level of the program at the Tee Ball and Coach Pitch divisions of play, further increasing their support of Little League’s girls’ inclusion initiatives and the Little League Softball program, providing additional support to lessen financial barriers of entries for families, continuing to support the experience at all seven World Series events, and more.

For more than 75 years, Little League has partnered with major corporations on a national level to help keep the costs for our local Little Leagues to a minimum, offer unparalleled benefits to those member leagues, support the social impact initiatives of the organization and its local communities, and provide the necessary funding and resources to support local leagues at the grassroots level. Sponsors help leagues operate smoothly, provide training resources for coaches, offset expenses for educational initiatives, offer grant programs for leagues in need, assist in supporting tournament costs, and provide opportunities and knowledge in fundraising, operations, nutrition, and safety. In short, sponsors provide access and opportunities so that local leagues may offer the best programs possible, helping ensure that players and volunteers can have a fun and rewarding Little League experience while supporting their community.

To learn more about how DICK’S Sporting Goods and the other Official Partners are supporting Little League Baseball and Softball, and what opportunities are available for local leagues and their communities, visit LittleLeague.org/Sponsors.

About DICK’S Sporting Goods

DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, the leading omnichannel retailer serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in more than 850 DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands, Going Going Gone! and Warehouse Sale stores, online, and through the DICK’S mobile app. DICK’S also owns and operates DICK’S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping.

Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK’S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK’S business, corporate giving, sustainability efforts and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com, investors.dicks.com, sportsmatter.org, dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.

The post Little League® and DICK’S Sporting Goods Celebrate #GWG50 with Partnership Extension Through 2026 appeared first on Little League.

Throughout her career working for Little League^®, Becky Bassett has served in a variety of roles, responded to countless questions, and has become the calming, reassuring, and informed voice for local league volunteers as they support the Little League program and communities.

Born and raised in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, and a resident of nearby Cogan Station, Mrs. Bassett has spent her entire life less than 30 minutes away from the Little League International Complex in South Williamsport. While Mrs. Bassett did not join the Little League staff until her daughters, Beth and Brooke, were in school, her family understood the importance of Little League and the values that it provides to communities all around the world.

Little League Starts at Home

“Both my daughters played softball as kids and were quite good,” said Mrs. Bassett. “However, there were no Little League Softball programs in the area at that time. I volunteered as a scorekeeper for their teams.”

Fast forward a generation. Now grandparents, Mrs. Bassett and her husband, Bob, have five granddaughters and two grandsons – all of which played Little League – while Beth, Brooke, and their husbands all contributed to the program as volunteers.

“My daughters both volunteered with their local Little League as a board member, a coach, concession stand workers, and fundraisers,” said Mrs. Bassett. “My husband played Little League when he was a kid and both sons-in- law were involved in umpiring and coaching. So, yes, you could say we grew into a Little League family.”

Starting the Professional Journey

When Mrs. Bassett decided to pursue opportunities that called for her unique organizational and interpersonal talents, it did not take long for her and Little League to connect. In 33 years of service to the company, she has forged a professional bond that has grown into a respected partnership with staff and volunteers.

“I have always loved that Williamsport is known as the ‘home’ of Little League, so when an opening came up with the organization, I went after it,” said Mrs. Bassett. “My first position was as a Region Coordinator overseeing the Southeast and Canada Regions. About 10 years later, I assumed the title of Operations Coordinator, and throughout my years, the need to clearly communicate and connect with people has grown so much.”

Every day starts with reviewing and answering emails, taking phone calls, checking voicemails, and simply preparing for what each new day may bring. In a technology driven world, Little League is constantly evolving, and an ever-increasing volume of Mrs. Bassett’s conversations place her as the gatekeeper to a multitude of information. Simply put, unequaled, first-class customer service.

“Customer service is the most important thing we do here,” said Mrs. Bassett. “If you do not have good customer service and relations with the people you are serving, you are not doing the organization any good. That is the easiest part of my job.”

“I have been a D.A. for the past 16 years and Becky Bassett has been my go-to person when I need answers! Whether it be chartering issues with my leagues or insurance questions or incorporation procedures, Becky has been the person I lean on for prompt answers. She is always professional and gracious in her email correspondence and her timely responses have been greatly appreciated!”

– Jennie Todd
Pennsylvania District 23 Administrator

Behind the Numbers

Explaining tax exempt information and IRS tax codes, league incorporation, and processing new leagues makes for a typical day. Dealing with the IRS information often feels like a different language to many, and much of Mrs. Bassett’s invaluable expertise comes with her ability to translate that “language” into understandable terms for volunteers. It is her everyday goal to provide the service that people need to feel comfortable about managing those responsibilities for their league or district.

“I did have tax experience before coming to Little League,” said Mrs. Bassett. “I learned the tax language which translated well here. I actively pursue the latest information, and there is a large amount of research needed to keep up with the tax laws.”

Admitting there was plenty of “learning as you go,” Mrs. Bassett explained that conversing with volunteers is not difficult because we all want to help them succeed. “Volunteers are enthusiastic about what they want to do and that makes my job easier because you want to help them do a good job.”

Contributing a great deal to the numbers focused on the growth and development of Little League, Mrs. Bassett’s oversight of new leagues, discontinued leagues, program growth with team numbers, and year-end reports are among the tasks that become the status and statistical barometer for the Little League International Operations Department.

“Becky has always been a friendly face and a calming voice on the phone. It’s a pleasure to know and have worked with her over the years.”

– Dwayne Tuggle
Virginia District 2 Administrator

Switching Gears Throughout the Year

The Little League year moves quickly and never ends. It just shifts focus to best serve its volunteers based on the season.

Through the regular season, and into the tournament, Mrs. Bassett continues with her “day job” but also plays a critical role with managing tournament team participation and league verifications.

Once the Little League Baseball® World Series begins in August, she takes her customer service skills to the World Series media credential office. There, she assists with welcoming the hundreds of media representatives arriving to report on the tournament. Among her daily duties, she also manages the official World Series game lineup cards for every game of the world’s biggest youth sports tournament.

A Time for Thanks

The World Series is also the time of year when Mrs. Bassett is most visible, and without fail, volunteers she has spoken with and assisted throughout the years continue to seek her out to meet in-person and offer their thanks.

“Working in the media office during the World Series is fun, interesting, and challenging,” Mrs. Bassett said. “I have met so many interesting people from athletes, to celebrities, and volunteers from all over the world. The volunteers come in to see me because they are who I talk to throughout the year. When they get the opportunity to come to Williamsport, they often pop in to say, ‘Hello!’”

The weeks following the end of the tournament season are all about year-end reporting and planning for the coming season.

“I get dozens of emails per day that require responses,” said Mrs. Bassett. “From when I started until now, we have made so much more available to volunteers through the Little League Data Center and other resources on the Little League website. That helps, but it stirs other questions that require our help to guide them.”

“Mrs. Becky is amazing! She has always worked to ensure that if leagues had a problem that it was resolved quickly so that the kids would be able to play. In my 24 years of being with Little League, Mrs. Becky has assisted me and more leagues than I can imagine and at the end of the day because of her work, Louisiana has more leagues and kids playing Little League than we did 10 years ago! Thank You Mrs. Becky!”

– Michael Marler
Louisiana District 3 Administrator

There’s No ‘I’ in “Team”

In addition to all her day-to-day work, Mrs. Bassett is admired and applauded by the organization for being the founder and emotional heartbeat of the American Cancer Society’s Little League Relay for Life team – the Intentional Walkers. Beginning in 2004, teamed with a corps of resolute Little League employees, Mrs. Bassett honored the memory of her sister, Linda Bailey Smith, by helping raise more than $250,000 in Little League’s name for the American Cancer Society.

“Those were the best times I’ve ever had at Little League,” said Mrs. Bassett. “Cancer touches everybody and it took no convincing at all to organize the Relay for Life team. Doing yard sales, bingos, raffles, and all kinds of fundraising, was so much fun. I am immensely proud of that accomplishment, but all the credit goes to the team. They were just awesome!”

Into her fourth decade of supporting the goals, ideals, and people that make Little League special, Mrs. Bassett is quick to declare, “I’m in no hurry to retire. I like where I am, and I love my job! I really do because I get to help people all day long. I don’t think I would enjoy my work as much as I do if I didn’t honestly believe in the program and the people.”

This is the fourth in a series of Little League International Staff Spotlights that will focus on the Women In Little League (WILL) as part of the overall Girls with Game 50 Celebration (LittleLeague.org/GWG50). The #GWG50 celebration is proudly supported by DICK’S Sporting Goods, a long-time Little League partner that is committed to creating opportunities for girls and women in sports and will be activating around key events and milestones this year.

• January Staff Spotlight – Joy Reynolds McCoy
• February Staff Spotlight – Nina Johnson-Pitt
• March Staff Spotlight – Beata Kaszuba-Baker

The post #GWG50 Staff Spotlight – Becky Bassett, Operations Coordinator appeared first on Little League.

After receiving nearly 1,000 submissions in March as part of the annual Little League^® Girls with Game^® month, Little League is pleased to announce the top three photos of its Girls with Game 50 (#GWG50) Photo Contest.

Launched on March 1, the #GWG50 Photo Contest was launched in coordination with the Girls with Game 50 Celebration and highlights the girls and women who make Little League communities around the world so special. Throughout the month, families and leagues were encouraged to share their own photos, past or present, to showcase the many ways they are celebrating #GWG50 throughout their communities. Submissions captured moments of teamwork, inclusion, and fun both on and off the field.

Although every submission brought the #GWG50 to life in its own unique way, below are the top three photos that were selected which best exemplify the Girls with Game 50 celebration:

Kirkland (Wash.) Little League

In 1974, Kirkland (Wash.) Little League became one of the first-ever softball leagues as the organization launched its new program. Split into the National League and the American League, teams competed in a championship game at the end of the regular season. The “Robins” (pictured in orange) represented the American League and became the first team to win the Girls Little League Softball^® City Championship that year.

Boerne (Texas) Little League

After hitting her first-ever home run in a Coach Pitch division game, seven-year-old Margo rounds third base as her mother, and coach, cheers her on!

Caln Little League (Thorndale, Penn.)

Just seconds after throwing out the runner at second base to end the inning, Little Leaguer^® Emma is all smiles as her coach celebrates her!

In addition to the top photo selections above, below are some leagues that were recognized with honorable mention:

Each of the photos outlined above will be recognized across Little League’s official social media platforms (@LittleLeague) and represented in a new Girls with Game exhibit at the World of Little League^® Museum this summer as part of the #GWG50 Celebration.

The #GWG50 Celebration is proudly supported by DICK’S Sporting Goods, a long-time Little League partner that is committed to creating opportunities for girls and women in sports and will be activating around key events and milestones this year.

The post Little League® Girls with Game 50 Photo Contest Top Submissions Recognized appeared first on Little League.

Barrel racing on horseback, soccer, softball, tennis, golf, and surfing – all sports that Caroline Marks, now a professional surfer, competed in as a young female athlete. A graduate of South Beaches (Fla.) Little League and the third oldest of six children, Ms. Marks spent her childhood like many other kids within the Little League® program – outside playing sports and being active with her siblings.

“My parents just encouraged us from a young age to have healthy habits. After school, they didn’t want us to just go home and sit on our phones. We were a very active family and we loved being an active family,” said Ms. Marks. “We would go to this place in Florida where my brothers would ride dirt bikes while I rode horses and then we would all go home together at the end of the day. There are a lot of good memories tied to my childhood.”

Hoping to be more like her two older brothers, Ms. Marks paddled out into the ocean and caught her first wave at nine years old. Over the next three years, her passion for surfing grew with each wave. By the time she turned 12, Ms. Marks knew that surfing was what she planned to do forever.

“When I was younger, I thought I had to find a way to make my brothers think I was cool, and what better way to do that than to do what they thought was cool, which was surfing,” said Ms. Marks. “I credit them for getting me into surfing, and then as I got older and chose it as my career path, they were there for me every step of the way.”

At 15 years old, Ms. Marks qualified for her first women’s World Surf League (WSL) Championship tour, becoming the youngest surfer to do so. In her first tour appearance, she placed third in three out of her 10 events, was named Rookie of the Year, and finished the season ranked seventh in the world. A year later, in her second WSL Championship tour, Ms. Marks finished second overall and earned a spot to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where she placed fourth.

After the WSL Championship tour was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Ms. Marks competed in 2021, placing sixth in the women’s division. In 2022, Ms. Marks pulled out of the season and decided to take time off to focus on her mental health.

“Mental health is very important. When you’re super young, you are just thinking about your next wave or your next meal,” said Ms. Marks. “But, as I got older, I learned how important it is to focus on your mental health and to have someone to talk to whether it is a friend, family member, or sports psychologist. Everyone’s journey is different, but focusing on it has been incredibly helpful for me, especially with all the tools that are out there.”

After her time off, Ms. Marks came back ready to compete. In 2023, Ms. Marks finished the WSL Championship tour victorious – winning her first surfing world title and securing her spot with Team USA to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

“All of my friends and family were there when I won the title. To be able to look them in the eye and feel the emotion, I get chills still today talking about it,” said Ms. Marks. “Seeing everyone who’s made sacrifices for me, it made it even more special, and it felt like everyone won that day.”

To learn more about her experience as a female athlete and her ongoing surfing career, Little League sat down for a special Girls with Game 50 (#GWG50) Six-Inning Conversation with Ms. Marks:  

First Inning: As a young female athlete, competing in multiple sports from Little League Softball to competitive horseback riding, what was some of the best advice you received?  

I think it is really important to make sure that whatever you choose to do is your passion and that you are not doing it for anyone else. My parents always did a great job at not forcing me to do anything, but just wanting me to have healthy habits and live an active lifestyle. It is not necessarily advice, but I think that is why I love surfing so much because I was never forced to do it, but rather was able to do it on my own terms and they supported me in choosing that direction… Another piece of advice I live by is to not base my happiness on results, which can be tough in a sport like surfing. But surfing is so important to me that no matter what the results are I wake up every day excited to do it and I am grateful to be able to say that.

Second Inning: How do you think you have carried your years of playing team sports, like soccer and Little League, into an individual sport like surfing?  

Surfing is an individual sport, but I believe it takes a team to accomplish your goals. You might be the only one out there doing it, relying on yourself in the moment if you have a bad day because you don’t have a teammate out there with you, but it still takes a team of people like your family, coaches, nutritionists, and trainers. While it is very rewarding and feels great to get the win because you are the one who had to go out there and do it, it is still a team effort and I love having my own little team around me.

Third Inning: Was there a defining moment for you in your early years of surfing that motivated you to keep going and get to the professional level you are at now?  

A few years after I started surfing, I decided to compete in the biggest amateur surfing event. I decided to sign up for the event because my older brother was doing it. I was just getting into surfing, so it was one of those ‘let’s just see how this goes’ competitions because I didn’t really know what was going on or who was who at the time. I ended up winning the U12 girls’ group and it made me realize for the first time that I might be good at surfing… My brothers were really encouraging, and I got to surf all day, plus, I got a trophy. I just remember leaving the competition thinking I could do this forever.

Fourth Inning: In 2023, you placed first at the Rip Curl World Surf League Final. Could you tell me more about this experience and what you felt in that moment?  

It’s hard to put everything that I was feeling into words, and I don’t think anyone would have been able to describe it accurately to me beforehand. It is just something that you have to feel for yourself to understand. For me, it was a euphoric, on top of the world, floating in a cloud feeling. It was very rewarding because of the work that I have been putting in since I started surfing and looking to accomplish a goal like that. It was pretty insane.

Fifth Inning: In July, you will be competing as a member of Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. With previous experience competing in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, what are you most looking forward to this time around?  

To medal would be amazing and that’s a big goal of mine. I would just like to put on good performances and push my level of surfing. I think if I do that, the results will come. I don’t prepare for the Olympics any differently than I do for other competitions. There is an added pressure because it happens only once every four years, and you are representing your country, but for me, that is cool and empowering. Plus, you’re competing against countries that are different than those that are on the WSL tour. I could end up competing against someone from Germany, so that’s an exciting part of it, too.  

Sixth Inning: If you had the opportunity to speak with a young female athlete who is just starting her athletic career what advice would you give her?

Find your passion and have fun with it. For me, surfing has always been fun and continues to be fun and I am grateful to be able to say that. Whatever you choose to do, just make sure it is your passion and that you are doing it for you and not anyone else. Enjoy the ride, enjoy the highs and the lows, and just dream big.

NOTE: The Little League Six Innings Features are a piece of the #GWG50 Celebration in 2024, with interviews of Girls with Game who graduated from Little League programs and continued to make an impact on female sports throughout their careers. To learn more about this initiative, visit LittleLeague.org/GWG50. The #GWG50 celebration is proudly supported by DICK’S Sporting Goods, a long-time Little League partner that is committed to creating opportunities for girls and women in sports and will be activating around key events and milestones this year.  

The post Six Innings with Caroline Marks, Olympic Surfer and 2023 World Surf League Women’s Tour Champion appeared first on Little League.

The first full-time female director of the Little League® Europe and Africa Region, Beata Kaszuba-Baker, a native of Poland, oversees the growth and development of nearly 750 teams and more than 11,000 players in more than 30 countries throughout the region. The Little League European Leadership Training Center in Kutno, Poland, hosts the annual Little League Europe and Africa Region Tournaments at Stan Musial and Ed Piszek Stadiums, with the winners advancing to the Little League Baseball® World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the Little League Softball® World Series in Greenville, North Carolina.

During her tenure, she has been instrumental in building relationships with various national baseball and softball federations and developing the region’s qualifier tournaments, giving more teams and countries the opportunity to enjoy the Little League International Tournament experience. Her innovative approach to networking with various government entities and national sports governing bodies has effectively elevated the Little League program and its mission across several European and African countries.

“There’s a lot of passion for youth baseball and softball through Europe and Africa. But, what do you say when you witness a Little League practice where kids are playing with paper balls wrapped in tape just because they don’t have baseballs or softballs? The Little League mission teaches life lessons. I try to motivate volunteers by simply reminding them that they can help a child change the world, one player at a time.”
– Beata Kaszuba-Baker

Before joining the Little League staff in 2000, Ms. Kaszuba-Baker attended Arizona State University and was a three-time NCAA national champion swimmer (1994 and ‘95), set U.S. Open and NCAA records in two events, and was named the NCAA Swimmer of the Year (1995) and a three-time All-American (1993-95). The first female swimmer to break the one-minute barrier in the 100-yard breaststroke, her 1995 accomplishment ranks No. 7 on the Swimming World Magazine list of Top 11 Most Amazing Performances in Women’s Collegiate Swimming. From 1987-91, she was the Polish National Champion and record holder in breaststroke, and in 1992, she served as a member of the relay team across the English Channel, fastest in the world at that time.

Following graduation from Poznan, Poland’s Physical Education University (1992), Ms. Kaszuba-Baker obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management from Arizona State (1996), and a master’s degree in business administration from Poznan University of Economics and Business and Georgia State University (2000). She speaks Polish, English, and some Russian.

This is the third in a series of Little League International Staff Spotlights that will focus on the Women In Little League (WILL) as part of the overall Girls with Game 50 Celebration (LittleLeague.org/GWG50).

• January Staff Spotlight – Joy Reynolds McCoy
• February Staff Spotlight – Nina Johnson-Pitt

The post #GWG50 Staff Spotlight: Beata Kaszuba-Baker: Europe and Africa Region Director appeared first on Little League.

After serving as the Official Uniform, Footwear, and Coaches Apparel Supplier of Little League^® and the Little League World Series since 2019, adidas has agreed to a multi-year extension with the world’s largest youth sport program, committing their support to the non-profit organization through 2027.

As part of the partnership over the past five years, adidas has designed and created all official on-field uniforms for each of the seven Little League World Series events. adidas has also provided cleats, training apparel, and uniform accessories, as well as athletic footwear and apparel for coaches and managers. Additionally, adidas has launched a line of replica jerseys for fans to purchase at the Little League Baseball^® World Series, which first debuted in 2023. Since 2019, adidas has also created unique experiences at the Little League World Series by hosting the adidas “Maker’s Lab,” a branded experience that engages players and teams to create and inspire.

“For the past five years, adidas has demonstrated incredible support for our players, coaches, and communities around the world with amazing uniforms and apparel. This vital support and funding allows us to create unmatched tournament experiences for every child that participates,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer. “The Little League World Series uniforms and apparel continue to be a highlight of the summer experience, and we are grateful for the support to our tournament operations.”

As part of their support of Little League’s Girls with Game 50 Celebration in 2024, adidas has also agreed to supply the uniform for the first-ever Maria Pepe Little League Baseball Legacy Series, set to be held on June 7-9, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

“adidas’ partnership with Little League is founded upon the belief that sport has the power to change lives,” said Aaron Seabron, General Manager, US Sports at adidas. “It is a strong part of our ethos to support athletes at the grassroots level, so we’re proud to continue to give these players top-of-the-line footwear and uniforms, empowering them to strive for greatness during the most treasured sporting events of their youth.”

In addition to their World Series support, adidas continues to provide offers and discounts to all local Little League programs, including their line of unique cleats that are worn on field by baseball and softball superstars such as Julio Rodriguez, Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, Trea Turner, Jose Ramirez, Kris Bryant, Luis Robert, Kiké Hernandez, Teoscar Hernández, J.P. Crawford, Sis Bates, Aliyah Andrews, and Amanda Lorenz.

To learn more about what adidas can offer to local leagues, as well as what all of Little League’s Official Sponsors can provide, visit LittleLeague.org/Sponsors. Additionally, to learn more about the 2024 Little League World Series events, visit LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries and download the World Series app in the Apple App Store or Google Play. 

About adidas

adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 59,000 people across the globe and generated sales of €22.5 billion in 2022.

The post Little League® and adidas Agree to Multi-Year Extension Through 2027 appeared first on Little League.

Dear Girls with Game,

I see you. You are working hard, trying your best, and figuring out who you are and who you want to be.

I wish someone would have told me earlier to chase the things that set your heart on fire. Finding your purpose, pursuing your dreams, and having a relentless, determined spirit can sometimes make all the difference.

Everything that is meant for you will find you. Don’t treat failure as defeat, but as fuel.

Challenges will come, but I think you’ll find that successes outweigh your challenges every time.

Take time to celebrate and recognize your achievements, your progress, your growth. And cheer each other on along the way, building up others as you continue to drive your own growth.

Most importantly, bring your positive mental attitude to every situation. So much of life is being positive in the face of obstacles.

Above all else, I want you to believe in yourself because so many people believe in you. We are here, clapping as you begin, try, learn, fail, and begin again.

Keep going! We are cheering you on!

Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer

NOTE: The “Dear Girls with Game” letter series is a piece of the #GWG50 Celebration in 2024, with written letters from staff members from Little League International focused at inspiring the next generation of Girls with Game. To learn more about this initiative, visit LittleLeague.org/GWG50. The #GWG50 celebration is proudly supported by DICK’S Sporting Goods, a long-time Little League partner that is committed to creating opportunities for girls and women in sports and will be activating around key events and milestones this year.

The post “Dear Girls with Game” – Liz DiLullo Brown appeared first on Little League.