Queen Creek Heat Little League Softball has two District 14 Champion All Star teams that will be representing Queen Creek at the State Championship next month.
Both teams battled an impressive Gilbert Little League Softball and came out the victors. Established in 2006, the Queen Creek Heat 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," said Kari Kaapana-Hansen, a parent volunteer handling both teams' public relations and social media.
The JR Majors team is made up of girls 9 to 11 years old. They will compete in the State Championship in Bull Head City, starting July 5.
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 Minors team is made up of girls 8 to 10 years old. They will compete in the State Championship in Cottonwood, starting July 8.
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
"Both teams 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 Kaapana-Hansen. "We are beyond proud to have such wonderful groups of ladies represent Queen Creek."
