Little League^® International is pleased to announce the elevation of John Magers, Central Region Assistant Director, to its Central Region Director, effective November 25, 2024.

“Over the past two years, John has done a tremendous job supporting our volunteers, and more importantly the players, throughout the entire Central Region,” said Corey Wright, Little League East, West, and Central Region Operations Managing Director. “His leadership throughout the entire Little League season, including through the operation of our tournaments the past two years, showcased his ability to take on the responsibilities as the Region Director and we are excited to see him thrive in this new role.”

Mr. Magers has served as the Central Region Assistant Director since 2022 where he has helped with the day-to-day operations of the Central Region Headquarters to enhance operations, develop and implement training programs, and assist with the operation of tournaments, including the annual Central Region Little League Softball^® Tournament and the Midwest and Great Lakes Little League Baseball^® Tournaments. The Central Region Headquarters serves 13 states (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin).

“It is an honor to be named as the Central Region Director and to take on the added responsibilities of overseeing the thousands of volunteers who make Little League possible in our region,” said Mr. Magers. “Working as the Assistant Region Director these last two years has taught me a lot about the day-to-day workings of the program at the grassroots level, but more importantly has shown me the dedication and commitment that our volunteers have throughout the Central Region. I look forward to working with them even further in this new capacity and bringing opportunities and excitement to the thousands of children across the Central Region.”

Prior to his role at Little League, Mr. Magers worked as an Operations and Sourcing Specialist at Athletx Sports Group in Carmel, Indiana, where he controlled tournament registrations and credits for Pastime Tournaments and Mid America Baseball as well as assisting with the operations of Pastime National Championships. Mr. Magers also served as an assistant coach for the Guerin Catholic High School varsity baseball team since 2019.

In addition to his role at Athletx Sports Group, Mr. Magers also has experience as the Director of Baseball Operations for Imavex Orange Baseball where he managed and oversaw the operations of 18 travel baseball teams, as well as serving as the Site Administrator and Assistant Tournament Director for the Ultimate Tournament Series in Central Indiana. Mr. Magers has also worked as an Operations Leader for DICK’S Sporting Goods and as a Gate Attendant and Merchandise Salesman for Bullpen Tournaments at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana.

Mr. Magers graduated from Manchester University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and a minor in Sales. During his time at Manchester University, Mr. Magers was a member of the baseball team where he was voted as best teammate and named a scholar athlete and was also involved as a Treasurer for Manchester Catholics and a member of the College of Business Club.

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Wanting to give young female athletes more than what she was offered at their age, Kenidi White joined the Centex Little League program in Little River-Academy, Texas, as a volunteer softball coach.

“I love to coach kids, whether it’s basketball or softball, and to be a part of making them better both on and off the field,” said Ms. White. “Having a coach that wants to establish a connection and shows you believe in them is sometimes all a young female athlete needs to be able to go out onto the field and be their best, not only for their benefit but for their teammates, too.”

In 2024, Ms. White traveled to Kirkland, Washington, with her team of softball players to compete as the Southwest Region representative in the Junior League Softball World Series. The Southwest girls made it to the semifinals and while they lost, they left the fields with lifelong memories.

“A favorite memory would probably have to be just being around people from all over the world. From seeing the different coaching styles to watching all of the athletes pick each other up during games, and just the pure joy on the girls’ faces knowing they were getting the chance to show off their talent at such a young age,” said Ms. White. “They are young kids taking advantage of this opportunity and making the most of it, and I loved being a part of it.”

Recognized as the November 2024 Little League Diamond Leader of the Month, as part of the Girls with Game 50 Celebration, Ms. White recently shared her experience with the program and the training 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?    

The Diamond Leader training taught me how to build a relationship with each of the players, how to find trust within each other, and how to push them to be better than what they think their best is both on and off the field. The training does a great job of showing through examples how to help each player understand the game without belittling them because it is a learning process that takes both time and practice.

As Little League celebrates Girls with Game 50 (#GWG50) in 2024, what does it mean to you to be a female volunteer in the program, coaching the next generation of female athletes?

It feels incredible. My coaches were all females growing up and they distilled most of the qualities that I now try to implement with my players today. It’s an honor because these girls have taught me a lot, as well. Female players NEED their female coaches to be there for them whether it’s as a listener, a big sister, or a role model. I am thankful for the opportunity to be there for these young women and to have been a part of such amazing, unforgettable experiences like the Junior League Softball World Series and I hope there are more to come!

What does it mean to you to be a Diamond Leader and why should others strive to be the same?   

Being a Diamond Leader means a lot to me because it goes to show that I can be myself as their coach with the sole purpose of making them better teammates on the field and better human beings off the field and it works. I want to be a reason that these kids want to achieve the highest goals in life because of the confidence I am instilling in them. I don’t want my athletes to feel like they can’t do something because they can accomplish anything they set their mind to if they display three things: class, pride, and character. Other coaches should strive to be the same because being a good communicator, a listener, a role model, a positive person, and someone who shows they understand can go a long way when working with young athletes.

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.  

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. 

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The application for umpires to request assignment at the 2025 Little League® International Tournament is officially open through the Umpire Registry, giving Little League umpires the opportunity to volunteer on the biggest stage next season.

APPLY NOW

Umpires interested in applying for one of these assignments must be a member of the Little League Umpire Registry and submit their Tournament Application on the registry home page. The deadline to apply for the 2025 assignments is December 31, 2024.

Little League International is hoping to complete the 2025 tournament assignment process by the end of January with individuals being notified in February.

HOW TO GET SELECTED

Beginning with the 2024 season, Little League International has adjusted its tournament selection process to allow umpires who have previously officiated Region and World Series Tournaments, and other upper-level tournaments, to apply to umpire these same level tournaments in future years. For example, umpires who have previously officiated at the Little League Baseball or Little League Softball World Series may apply for this experience again at any time in the future. This policy will continue to apply for 2025 tournament requests.

Also for 2025, umpires may indicate on their tournament application if they would like to be considered for region tournaments outside the region in which they reside.

Umpires interested in being considered for any World Series, Region, or other upper-level tournament assignment must be active umpires in their local leagues/districts and are encouraged to have recently attended any of Little League’s official education and training sessions available at a Region Center or Little League International in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

ABOUT UMPIRE ID CAMPS

In addition to all the resources and events listed in the Umpire Registry, be sure to check out the Little League Event Calendar to stay up-to-date with all the events happening throughout the year.

EVENT CALENDAR

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Little League^® International is pleased to welcome Scott Rogers as its new Southeast Region Assistant Director, effective September 30, 2024. In addition to all his volunteer service to Little League over the years, Mr. Rogers also served as the organization’s Spring Communications Intern in 2023.

“Scott’s established relationship and history with Little League plus passion for the program will make him a valuable asset to the operations and volunteers of the Southeast Region,” said Matt Weber, Little League Southeast Region Director. “We are excited to welcome Scott to the team and to see how his passion and understanding of the program supports local leagues across the region.”

In this role, Mr. Rogers will assist Mr. Weber with the day-to-day operations of the Southeast Region headquarters and support the volunteers and players throughout the region, including leagues in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

“I am honored to be the new Southeast Region Assistant Director,” said Mr. Rogers. “Little League has been a huge part of my life, both personally and professionally, and I cannot be more excited to represent the best youth sports organization in the world.”

Mr. Rogers joins Little League after most recently working as the radio play-by-play broadcaster for East Carolina University’s baseball program, broadcasting three American Athletic Conference championships, three NCAA Baseball Regionals, and one NCAA Baseball Super Regional. He also worked with Inner Banks Media as a producer and studio host on WRHD 94.3 The Game for East Carolina men’s basketball broadcasts and weekly coaches show “Inside Pirate Athletics,” along with morning show “Talk of The Town” on WTIB Talk 103.7 and WRHT Talk 96.3.

As a former Little Leaguer^® himself with North State Little League (Greenville, N.C.), Mr. Rogers has spent many years volunteering and working within the Little League program. He has assisted with both district and state tournaments in North Carolina, as well as the Southeast Region Baseball Tournaments in Warner Robins, Georgia. Since 2020, Mr. Rogers has also contributed to bringing the Little League Softball^® World Series to Elm Street Park in Greenville, North Carolina, serving on the Tournament Planning Committee, running press box operations, and stepping up as the local media relations contact.

Mr. Rogers graduated in 2021 with an associate in arts degree from Pitt Community College before receiving a bachelor’s degree in communications, with a focus in public relations, from East Carolina University.

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In July and August, there is nothing more thrilling than the fun and excitement surrounding the Little League International® Tournament, and we want all our fans to enjoy the most of their time at our events. Here Is what fans need to know when attending and watching the historic 2024 Little League® Baseball and Softball Region and World Series events across the nation.  

Family Fun for FREE!

One of the most exciting parts about attending the Little League Baseball and Softball Region and World Series tournaments is that there is no cost for admission! In addition to the fun and excitement on the field, each event provides the opportunities for families and communities to come together for once-in-a-lifetime memories, teachable life lessons, and most importantly fun for fans of all ages. 

Know Before You Go

While the fun and excitement is consistent across all our events, the information about what visitors need to know about parking and entry to the complex may vary slightly at each location, so it’s important to take time and check out your event’s visit information on the respective event landing page at LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries.  

Learn More

Sportsmanship Starts with You

The foundation of Little League is rooted in sportsmanship, and the best way to ensure our players and children are displaying positive sportsmanship throughout the tournament is to be a role model yourself. All of our coaches and umpires are volunteers, and the players on the field are all children, so we ask that while you enjoy the excitement and competition that is displayed on the field, you do so in a positive manner during your time at our events.   

Respect Those Around You

The Little League World Series and its respective Region Tournaments are a place of inclusion where families, fans, and tourists from all around the world gather together to have a fun and memorable experience, so we ask that you are respectful of the differencing cultures, opinions, and beliefs of those around you. 

Enjoy the Excitement All Summer Long

While attending a Little League game at this level of play is an experience like no other, we understand not everyone can make it out to every event, so we have you covered! Be sure to enjoy Little League action all summer long with every game broadcast across the ESPN platforms and check out LittleLeague.org/Videos for a full slate of highlights, recaps, features, and more to relive the incredible moments that only a Little League program can offer. 

In addition to the five tips above, fans watching their favorite teams advance to the Little League Softball^® World Series, Presented by DICK’s Sporting Goods, in Greenville, North Carolina – where we are celebrating the 50^th-anniversary of the event along with our Girls with Game 50 (#GWG50) Celebration – and the Little League Baseball^® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, are encouraged to download the LLWS App to stay up-to-date with all the latest information leading up to and during the event. Learn more and download today at LittleLeague.org/LLWSApp.

Be sure to celebrate the tournament and get all your 2024 Little League merchandise this summer by visiting ShopLittleLeague.org. To learn more about the entire 2024 Little League International Tournament, including a full list of schedules and visitor information for all our events, be sure to check out LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries.

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Little League^® International and New York Life are teaming up to recognize a select group of dedicated volunteers, honoring them as the 2024 Little League Community Heroes of the Year, Presented by New York Life. The recognition will be made prior to the 7 p.m. game on Thursday, August 15, as part of the 2024 Little League Baseball^® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile.  

“Committed to positively impacting the youth and their communities, the hard work and dedicated efforts of our local league volunteers both on and off the field is inspiring to all of us at Little League International,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President, and CEO. “On behalf of the millions of Little Leaguers and families that this program serves and all of us at Little League International, we are pleased to honor these five individuals as the 2024 Little League Community Heroes of the Year.”  

Launched in 2020, the Little League Community Heroes recognition program is a year-long celebration of players, coaches, umpires, league officers, team parents, and any other volunteer who goes above and beyond for their local league and within their respective communities. Since 2022, as part of a new awards program structure, volunteers who were nominated for the Community Heroes program throughout the year also became eligible to be recognized as Community Heroes of the Year. In 2024, New York Life teamed up with Little League to become the Presenting Sponsor of the Little League Community Heroes recognition program, further showing their commitment to the organization and its communities.

After reviewing all the nominees from throughout the past year, below are the five individuals who have been selected to be honored as the 2024 Little League Community Heroes of the Year. As part of this honor, each of the five volunteers will also be presented with a $1,000 grant to their local league as a thank you for their dedicated efforts:

Ricky Brown Jr. – Belmont Little League (Joliet, Ill.) 

• League Role: Umpire  
• Occupation: Student 

After 12 seasons playing Little League Baseball, Ricky Brown Jr. now channels his love for the game into his work as a volunteer umpire. When he is behind the plate, Mr. Brown not only makes the calls, but he also takes the time to teach players about proper batting stance and checks in to make sure they are feeling the joy of playing baseball. Off the field, Mr. Brown volunteers his time in the concession stands, prepping fields for the games, and working summer camps put on each year for the Little Leaguers.   

Andrea Vermillion – South Beaches Little League (Melbourne Beach, Fla.) and Beachside Little League (Satellite Beach, Fla.)

• League Role: Coach  

• Occupation: Teacher

Andrea Vermillion wears many hats including teacher, reading tutor, foster mom, and coach. A well-known name in the Little League community, Ms. Vermillion spent more than a decade coaching baseball as her son and two daughters moved through the levels of play. Switching to softball with her daughters in 2024, Ms. Vermillion is now dedicated to growing the local softball programs at both South Beaches LL and Beachside LL. Whether it is on the softball or baseball diamond, Ms. Vermillion is known for her ability to engage with the Little Leaguers to help them grow both on and off the field while also reminding them to have fun!

Tony Ojeda – Imperial Valley (Calif.) Challenger Little League

• League Role: League President  
• Occupation: Owner of Ojeda Industries

More than 11 years ago, Tony Ojeda was a founding member of the Imperial Valley Challenger Little League. Today, Mr. Ojeda leads as the League President, and his dedication to the league remains unwavering. As a community leader and advocate for inclusivity, Mr. Ojeda serves as an inspiration and role model for others as he continues to positively impact the lives of children and families.  

Kathie Hucko – North Syracuse (N.Y.) Little League

• League Role: Softball Coach 
• Occupation: National Grid Resource Manager  

Softball has been a passion of Kathie Hucko’s since she started playing at eight years old. Now, she carries her love for the game into her new role on the field – coach. Ms. Hucko shows up early and stays late after practices to help each player strengthen their fundamental skills, while also teaching them the importance of self-confidence and teamwork. Ms. Hucko is the blueprint of a coach who is excited to help develop the next generation of softball players and community leaders. Off the field, Ms. Hucko spends time training her rescue dog, Lola.  

Charles Carpenter – Northwest Little League (Austin, Texas) 

• League Role: Umpire 
• Occupation: Facility Management 

With 30 years of Little League volunteer experience, Charles Carpenter has an extensive resume as an umpire, including traveling to California, Florida, and Germany, to volunteer in tournaments and Little League Urban Initiative events. When he is not calling games on the field, Mr. Carpenter hosts umpire clinics in Costa Rica, where he has also provided free equipment over the years through donation drives and collections. A dedicated volunteer, Mr. Carpenter works hard to help create a better future within his community. Not only is he a frequent blood donor, but he is an active volunteer with the local Special Olympics, and works at Sammy’s House, a nonprofit organization that provides care for children who are medically fragile and/or developmentally delayed.  

To learn more about the Little League Community Heroes recognition program, Presented by New York Life, and to nominate a Community Hero in your league, visit LittleLeague.org/Community Heroes.

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For more than 30 years, Rachel Perkins has dedicated her life to youth sports. A former softball player herself, Ms. Perkins has carried her love and passion for the game onto the field as a volunteer Little League coach.

Over the years, Ms. Perkins coached both baseball and softball, umpired, and trained other volunteers who also wanted to coach. Inspired by her son, Ms. Perkins worked with a close friend to establish the Hawthorne (Calif.) National Wiseburn Little League’s Challenger Division. For more than 13 years, Ms. Perkins dedicated her time to giving players of all capabilities the opportunity to feel the joys of baseball.

“We had a blast,” said Ms. Perkins. “It wasn’t about winning or lost, but it was about making sure every player had a chance to hold a bat even if they used walkers or sat in wheelchairs. We just wanted them to have fun.”

Today, Ms. Perkins is the Safety Officer for California District 37 and continues to volunteer as an umpire to fill in volunteer gaps in local leagues.

Recognized as the June 2024 Little League Diamond Leader of the Month, as part of the Girls with Game 50 Celebration, Ms. Perkins 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?     

“The Diamond Leader training touches on all things related to the importance of making sure the young athletes are receiving what they need from the coaches to allow them to build their self-esteem. When I first started, I was a tough coach who wanted to win at all costs, and there are coaches out there who are still like that. But, checking to see if your player is emotionally okay both on and off the field, that’s the important piece of coaching that can sometimes be overlooked. What we do with the children now will impact our future and that is why the Diamond Leader training for all volunteers is important.”

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 am so happy we are celebrating Girls with Game and I think it is phenomenal, but I am hoping to still see female involvement grow. You look at the growth and excitement surrounding women’s basketball right now and that is what I wish for for softball, specifically for Little League softball. With how big the Little League Softball World Series is getting and with events like the Athletes Unlimited Pro Games, we could see more growth. The AU Pro Games are phenomenal because now hopefully you are inspiring the next generation of little girls to sign up for Little League softball with the dream to be like the professional players.” 

What does it mean to you to be a Diamond Leader and why should others strive to be the same?     

“Number one, the Diamond Leader training was great. There are so many different sections of it that allows everyone to learn something whether they are a District Administrator, coach, or parent. It’s important because what we do with the community’s youth now will impact everyone’s future, not just their future. From the tee ballers to senior league, taking the lessons of the field and instilling in them the importance of community and volunteerism is important. If we want programs like Little League to continue in the future, we need to lead by example both on and off the field.” 

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.  

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. 

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Hills Little League from Sydney, New South Wales, will be returning to Williamsport for the 2024 Little League Baseball^® World Series (LLBWS), Presented by T-Mobile, after winning back-to-back titles to claim the 2024 Australia Region Championship.

Hills LL finished the tournament by going 5-2, winning the championship in commanding fashion with a 16-3 victory over Central Firebirds LL. Hills LL ended with a +23-run differential overall, and outscored its competition 24-5 in the final day of play.

The Australia Region champions will be making the league’s second consecutive appearance at the LLBWS after earning a spot in the tournament in 2023, and its fourth appearance overall. Hills LL will be looking to improve on its 2016 run, the most successful tournament entry of any Australia team, when it defeated teams from the Europe and Africa Region and the Caribbean Region, before falling to the Mexico Region team in the elimination bracket.

Australia continues to have a strong Little League presence throughout their country and is part of a select group of regions that receive direct entry into all four baseball World Series tournaments that Little League International hosts, as it received its most recent automatic bid in 2018 for the Little League (50/70) Baseball Division World Series. Teams from Down Under will also compete in the Junior League Baseball and Senior League Baseball World Series.

First-round matchups for the 2024 LLBWS will be announced in mid-June, and the 77^th Little League Baseball World Series will begin on August 14 with the championship set to take place on August 25.

Additional information for the LLBWS, including visitor resources, special guests, and more will be made available in the coming weeks at LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries. To plan your visit to Williamsport, start your planning now by going to LittleLeague.org/Visit.

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Little League® International is pleased to welcome Delaney Joyce as its new East Region Assistant Director, effective as of June 3, 2024.  

“On behalf of the entire East Region staff, we are excited to welcome Delaney to the Little League team,” said Aaron Weber, Little League East Region Director. “Delaney’s previous experience working as a youth educator, along with extensive history both playing and coaching softball, will make her a valuable asset to the operations here in Bristol and will bring the necessary resources and support to the local leagues across the East Region.”  

In her role as Assistant Director, Ms. Joyce will assist Mr. Weber at the East Region Headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, supporting the operations of the districts, leagues, and volunteers across Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, as well as operating the respective East Region Tournaments for both Little League Baseball and Softball.  

“I am thrilled to begin working for Little League, a program that I participated in as a child,” said Ms. Joyce. “Baseball and softball have made such a huge impact on my life, and I can’t wait to see the impact it continues to have on current and future Little Leaguers, their families, volunteers, and my new colleagues committed to the success of the program.”  

Ms. Joyce joins the Little League team after most recently working for the Gananda School District in Walworth, New York, as a K-12 English as a New Language educator. Ms. Joyce also has experience working as a Softball Coordinator for interscholastic athletic programs in Wayne County, New York. With a deep understanding and love for the game, Ms. Joyce has also spent time as a varsity softball coach.  

Ms. Joyce graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester with a dual-major bachelor’s degree in both Inclusive Early Childhood/Childhood Education and English Literature, as well as a master’s degree in education. In June 2025, Ms. Joyce is also anticipated to graduate with a master’s degree in Sports Administration from the University of Cincinnati.  

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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. 

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