It took only 10 minutes after the final pitch was thrown for the Daviess County Little League Softball coaching staff’s phones to explode with text messages. JW O’Bryan had over 100 texts, many from unrecognized numbers – leading to a realization of just how many people were following his team’s story.
A year ago, Daviess County Little League softball was born, and in its inaugural season, they were one win away from advancing to the Little League World Series. Pushing the bitter pain of losing to Indiana in the Championship game aside, last weekend Daviess County found themselves in an eerily similar position – facing Indiana with a trip to the Little League World Series on the line.
This time around, the result was drastically different – a 1-0 shutout win.
“The community support has been unreal and really awesome,” Coach Jon Roberts said. “Wherever we go, somebody brings it up, you hear someone talk about it, and it has been mind-blowing to say the least.”
The extra limelight might be new to the girls, but they aren’t taking it for granted – instead focused on the opportunity to represent their home state.
“It is such an honor to be able to represent not just Daviess County, but for Kentucky and the entire region,” pitcher Michaela Knight said. “It’s crazy because you get to see all of the people that I know that wanted to be in my position and I am the one whose here. It’s crazy.”
Four players remained from the regional runner-up roster: Avery O’Bryan, Presley Roberts, Finley Beaven, and Knight, all of whom acknowledged how special it was to hear from their former teammates.
“After most of our games, they texted me to say great job or great win,” infielder Avery O’Bryan said. “When we lost, they told me not to worry about it. You have the next game and just to redeem yourself.
The Little League 12U Softball World Series is set to kick off next Sunday, with the team scheduled to leave for North Carolina later this week. Last night, at Maui’s Indoor Theme Park, the coaches threw the team a send-off, with over 100 people in attendance to celebrate.
As the team has gone deeper and deeper in the playoffs, the girl’s fame has continued to grow.
“On Saturday, Finley and I went to the Fraternal Order of Eagles to say thank you for the donation,” Avery O’Bryan said. “They all knew who we were, and they were telling us how much they watched us. It made me really feel great. I was like, dang, people really do watch us.”
O’Bryan isn’t the only one, with her teammate Avary Emmick being blown away by how many eyes have been on their tournament run.
“The community support has been really good, and it’s been a fun part,” Emmick said. “I am just walking around town, and I am getting thank-yous and great job everywhere. It definitely shows how great our community is and how special this opportunity is.”
