Little Leaguers® across the world were active this summer with hopes of earning the once-in-a-lifetime trip to one of the seven Little League® World Series tournaments held throughout the United States. As the world celebrated the 50-year anniversary of Title IX, Little League was proud to see a number of its own Girls with Game step up to the plate.
From an all-female grounds crew perfecting the field at the Little League Softball® World Series to history being made with the 21st female to play in the Little League Baseball® World Series, the summer of 2022 was one filled with inspiration.
Check out just some of the great Girls with Game below:
Julia Wander – Northwest Washington Little League (Washington, D.C.)
The emotional rock of the Northwest Washington Little League team, Julia Wander was a consistent hitter and brick wall behind home plate. She paved the way for other Girls with Game while competing at the Little League Baseball Mid-Atlantic Region tournament in Bristol, Connecticut.
“The fact that more and more girls are playing in the Little League Baseball World Series proves that us girls are making waves in baseball. We can play baseball if we want to and girls all across the world are proving that.”
Mallory Meier – Little Leaguers of Kenosha (Wisc.) Little League
Mallory Meier might have only started playing baseball two years ago, but her blinding speed and dedication to her team was on full display this summer. She smashed two home runs in her league’s run through the state tournament, and even crashed into a fence tracking down a foul ball to make the catch.
“Whether you are a boy or a girl, it is not that different. Everyone can play baseball the same. I just love to get out there with my teammates and win games.”
Kristýna El Ghannam – South Czech Republic Little League
A threat in the batter’s box and behind the plate, Kristýna El Ghannam made her last year of baseball count. While rules in the Czech Republic encourage the switch to softball, Kristýna made the most of her final year, competing in the Junior League Baseball World Series with her teammates from South Czech Republic Little League.
“Sometimes I hear that girls don’t have a place in baseball, even though I am really good. But I don’t care if I play with boys or girls. It is all about my team and we all have the same common goal of winning the Junior League Baseball World Series.”
Falynn Randall- Snow Canyon Little League (Santa Clara, Utah)
The 21st girl to ever compete in Williamsport, Falynn Randall came into the Little League Baseball World Series with a hot bat after hitting .500 in the Region tournament to give Utah the state’s first appearance at the World Series. Her power in the batter’s box was not to be overshadowed by her excellence in the field, where she led Snow Canyon Little League in the middle of the infield at second base.
“I like how competitive baseball is and I am just happy that I helped my team get to this point. I hope that this will encourage more girls to get involved and play baseball at all levels.”
Angélique Bizier – Diamond Baseball Little League (Quebec)
Angélique Bizier made her name known in the Canadian baseball circuit, playing on the Diamond Baseball Little League out of Quebec that went 2-2 competing in the Intermediate (50/70) Baseball World Series tournament.
“It’s not easy playing with a bunch of boys, and the older you get, the harder it gets. But I want to play with the best, no matter if it’s with boys or girls, and I am excited to represent Canada and meet all the other teams from around the world.”
All Female Grounds Crew – Greenville, N.C.
The 2022 Little League Softball World Series was filled with excitement thanks to the talented play of 12 participating teams in the event’s second year in Greenville. However, it was the players who were cheering during the final days of action, recognizing a group of 16 volunteers who made history in the 48-year history of the series: an All-Female Grounds Crew.
“We want to show these girls that you can do anything. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, you come out here and do these jobs, and maybe when your softball career ends, you can still say involved. Because a lot of these girls did play softball, and this is their way of staying involved and connected to the sport.” – Cheryl Miller
Stefania Vitaliani – Emilia Romagna Little League (Bologna, Italy)
Helping to lead the team from Bologna, Italy, at the Little League Softball World Series, Stefania Vitaliani of the Emilia Romagna Little League and her District Administrator, Loredana Auletta, have deep roots in the softball community and hope to continue to inspire more girls to get involved with the sport.
“Because we love this sport, we do all we can do to make this important. It’s not just about teaching them how to play but teach them how to be on the field with the others. This is an experience for them to learn and represent Italy in the world.”
In addition to all the incredible individuals and groups above, the Summer of 2022 was also touted as the “Summer of Softball” with live action at every level from Little League to the pros of Athletes Unlimited covered across the ESPN family of networks.
Little League also proudly honored Negros Occidental Little League, the Asia-Pacific Region Champion out of Bacolod City, Philippines, with the 2022 Girls with Game Team Sportsmanship Award after displaying sportsmanship both on and off the field throughout its time in Greenville, North Carolina.
During the 75th Anniversary of the Little League Baseball World Series, Little League also recognized its Little League Community Heroes of the Year, including three Girls with Game who took home the inaugural honor.
About Girls with Game
Launched in 2019, the Little League® Girls with Game Initiative is dedicated to honoring all the girls and women who have made the Little League program what it is today and those who inspire the future generation of female participants at every level. From written stories and feature videos to inspiring quotes and photos across all its digital media platforms, the Girls with Game initiative celebrates the memorable moments, exciting events, and inspiring individuals throughout the Little League Baseball and Softball program all year long. Each March, in coordination with National Women’s History Month, Little League celebrates its own women’s history with Girls with Game Month across all its social media channels and at LittleLeague.org/GirlsWithGame. Help us share your inspirational Girls with Game stories by using #GirlsWithGame and by tagging @LittleLeague on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.