Wilmington softball team headed to Babe Ruth World Series in Alabama
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — One group of young ladies will go from the Cape Fear to the Heart of Dixie with the hopes of winning a national championship in softball.
The Supper Optimist 12U Allstars won the state championship, earning them a spot in the Babe Ruth World Series. The tournament begins at the end of July in Florence, Alabama.
Supper Optimist has been around for more than 70 years, but this is their first club to advance this far in any sport or age group.
Head Coach Ashley Hales says it has been a long time coming.
“It’s a huge accomplishment,” Ashley Hales said. “We’ve been close before in year’s past, but this year we got together with the right group of girls. They play really well together. I think a lot of it has to do with the talent level. The talent level here at Supper Optimist has increased significantly, especially with the travel ball organizations around the area growing. The word’s out that Supper Optimist is the place to come play if you want to play competitive rec league softball.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
The players are getting ready to compete at a level they’ve not been to before, but they are optimistic about their chances.
“It was really amazing that we got the opportunity to go,” Bailey Hales said. “As a team, we played really well. It’s been really fun and exciting to take the field because we cheer each other on. We’re just a good team.”
Coach Hales and the players sight pitching as the main reason for their success. Several of their athletes can throw just under 60 MPH.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
They will hope to utilize those arms and bring back some hardware in their first ever World Series appearance.
“It would mean a whole lot,” Emory Landen said. “It meant a whole lot to win. Now going to play here, we just got to play stronger and harder. We’re a group of girls that love each other. Just to be out here and play for Supper is an accomplishment.”
The organization is hosting fundraisers to help pay for the team’s trip to Alabama.
Click here to learn more on donating to their cause.
Other fundraising events can be found in the pictures below.
