The heat is on in Queen Creek, literally and competitively, as Queen Creek Heat Little League Softball came home champions in this month's Little League State Championship.
Queen Creek Heat fielded three strong teams across Arizona in the Little League State Championship and the All Star Minors team (ages 8-10) won first place in their division as they dominated in Cottonwood with an undefeated tournament, shutting out teams in every game except one. The All Star JR Majors team (ages 9-11) shined and brought home second place after a grueling five days in Bullhead City, where game time temperatures reached 120 degrees. The All Star Seniors team (ages 13-16) played strong and placed third in their tournament in Tucson.
“All of our Queen Creek Heat All Star teams and coaches worked incredibly hard the past two months and showed tremendous growth. We are very proud of their performances and the way they represented our town on and off the field,” said Leonard Flores, president of Queen Creek Heat Little League Softball.
All Star Minors catcher Tessa Vincent, 10, had the hottest job to do with all the gear she has to wear for her position.
"I just get used to it and drink a lot of water, and they provide cooling towels," she said. "I like playing catcher because it's super active and I don't have to sit around all day," adding that she feels "awesome" about the first place state championship win over Goodyear, "they were a tough team to beat."
Being the youngest of four children in her family, Tessa said she's been playing for the Queen Creek Heat for three years and wanted to play softball because of her siblings.
"My brothers play baseball and my sister plays softball, and I wanted to be like her," she said. "While I'm super excited about our championship win, I'm kind of sad because I won't see (my team) anymore." Her mother, Samantha Vincent, explained that her All Star Minors team won't be able to practice together anymore now that they've played their last game as a team. The Queen Creek resident plans to try out in the future for her high school softball team.
All Star JR Majors first base infielder Layla Hansen, 12, who attends Casteel High School and plans to try out this year for her school's team, said she's proud of her Queen Creek Heat team bringing home second place, especially in the extreme heat.
"It was very hot, but once the sun went down it got a little better, and we used a lot of cooling towels," she said. "When we got back to the hotel we went swimming. I just love the environment and playing with all my friends."
Layla, who has been playing for the Queen Creek Heat the last seven years said it "felt really good being the second best team in the state because we worked really hard to get it."
"They have been on the field practicing at Desert Mountain Park for four to five days a week in extreme heat to prepare for this journey," added her mother, Kari Kaapana-Hansen. "We are beyond proud to have such wonderful groups of ladies represent Queen Creek."
The All Star Minors team is made up of girls 8 to 10 years old. The team includes players:
- Maritza Garcia
- Addison Hulka
- Olivia Doyle
- Victoria Rodriguez
- Xadie Valenzuela
- Kailee Cabrera
- Tessa Vincent
- Rachel Durkin
- Kinley Carrillo
- Blake Ruiz
- Andrea Padilla
- Ysabella Padilla
- Gianna Tomada
Coaches are:
- Armando Rodriguez
- Pete Rodriguez
- Richard Carrillo
The All Star JR Majors team is made up of girls 9 to 11 years old. The team includes players:
- Charleigh Clemons
- Laila DiBiasi
- Riley Garwick
- Layla Hansen
- Charlye Herrin
- Madison Stewart
- Ivelisse Villalobos
- Kendyl Briggeman
- Cecilia Gianni
- Paisley Medina
- Ehlianni Monjardin
- Emmy Sargent
- Isabella Tapia
Coaches are:
- Leonard Flores
- Lena Flores
- Katy Stewart
The All Star Seniors team is made up of girls 13 to 16 years old. The team includes players:
- Makayla Batson
- Breylee Blair
- Kaedyn Carrillo
- Kayla Carrillo
- Jaelyn Castaneda
- Gabryella Guerrero
- Riley Lovell
- Sophie Pearson
- Amelia Rogers
- Madison Sounthonevichith
- Salem Taylor
Coaches are:
- Gabriel Carrillo
- Derek Wendt
Established in 2006, the Queen Creek Heat Little League Softball program has a proud tradition of developing teamwork, persistence and hard work, in addition to girls’ softball skills.
"We have a long history of fielding competitive teams that enjoy success both locally and regionally. More importantly, Queen Creek Heat has had a positive impact on the lives of Queen Creek-area young girls, their families, and the overall community," added Flores.
