The Gloucester 12U All-Star softball team isn’t a travel team assembled from multiple communities. They are simply thirteen girls from Gloucester County, Virginia, who spend most of the spring and summer competing against one another in the local recreation league. In early June, they came together through open tryouts, put on the same jersey, and decided to chase something bigger than themselves.

These kids play because they love the game and their teammates. They fought their way through the Virginia State Tournament and all the way to the Virginia State Championship, earning their way into the Babe Ruth World Series. They refused to quit, even when the odds seemed impossible.

In the semifinal game, these girls trailed 12-5 with only three outs remaining. Most teams would have accepted defeat, but these girls decided to go down swinging. They fought back, tied the game, and won in extra innings.

Their greatest victories weren’t measured on the scoreboard. During the tournament, one teammate required emergency surgery after suffering an illness—less than twelve hours after knocking in three runs and leading her team to victory in another close game. From her hospital bed, she watched the game on her phone, cheering her teammates on before being wheeled to the OR for surgery. Every pitch, every play, and every thought was on her.

Another player sustained what appeared to be a serious knee injury, crashing into a fence for a foul ball. She was carted off the field, her knee a swollen, bloody mess, but begged not to leave the team. Through determination, she returned to not only cheer them on, but to actually get back into the game and help lead her team to one of the greatest comebacks our community has witnessed. This was the same player who nearly fainted in an earlier game during extreme heat conditions. She rested, cooled down, and re-entered the game as the relief pitcher, holding down the other team for the victory.

There is so much more about this team that captures their spirit. They are the same team that went to hug the opposing team’s player after seeing her visibly upset for making the last out. They even started a trend by standing on the field, unprompted, to sing the national anthem before the game while facing the flag, standing still, hand on their hearts. While none of them would pass as Whitney Houston, other teams would join and a pre-game tradition began. Two teams, from different parts of the state, competing against one another, would join together and sing about this beautiful country that has given them the freedom and opportunity to pursue the things they love with pride in their hearts.

These girls have learned that adversity isn’t something to fear—it is something to overcome. They are embracing life and playing with joy in their hearts. Now they have earned the opportunity to represent Gloucester Softball at the World Series in Florence, Alabama.

Unfortunately, dreams have a price tag. Travel, lodging, transportation, meals, equipment, uniforms, tournament fees and other expenses all must be paid. Donations will cover travel expenses for the girls and their families, including transportation and lodging, as well as food for the girls while at the World Series.

Without this support, they will not be able to afford to attend and represent Gloucester. Your support will help these girls chase their dreams and represent their community on a national stage. Please help them make this journey possible.