Next Stop…World Series: Winnsboro Dixie Belles to represent Louisiana on the big stage

WINNSBORO, La. (KTVE/KARD) — The best 13-15-year-old team in the state of Louisiana.

That is the title the Winnsboro Dixie Belles All-Stars claimed after dominating the state tournament.

The Dixie Belles went 5-0 in the state tournament and outscored their opponents 67-9 along the way to punch their ticket into the Dixie Softball World Series.

A goal they set at the beginning of the season and now that dream has become a reality.

“From the first pitch to the last pitch, it just seemed like they were zoned in and they had their minds set from the defensive players to the batting at the plate,” Caldwell said. “They had their minds set from day that this is what they wanted to do and then they did it.”

The Winnsboro Dixie Belles softball team has punched their ticket to Prince George, Virginia to represent the Bayou State at the Dixie Softball World Series.

They went unbeaten in the state tournament including wins over Grant, West Carroll, Alexandria and two wins over Caldwell along with challenges brought on by Mother Nature herself.

But for this team—their was nothing that could get in the way of their ultimate goal.

“It’s been a long season, but they’ve worked hard in this heat, in the rain delays in the tournament to get to the state tournament,” said Caldwell. “It’s been a long season, but they’ve worked really hard and have done great.”

Their success on the diamond comes not only from the talent they possess, but also from the chemistry built over the years.

Head Coach Reid Caldwell has watched this team grow up together over the years and says seeing them grow, not just as softball players, but also as young adults has been incredible.

“Most of the girls on this team I have coached or been around since tee ball. That’s where they got their start in this Dixie program,” Caldwell said. “To see them come all the way through the leagues up to this age where they are now and then to have the success that they had is amazing.”

And now they have earned the honor of representing the state of Louisiana.

“It feels amazing,” Caldwell said. “For these girls to put in all the hard work and come out on top and then to go undefeated, as well, there’s no better feeling in the world. It’s great.”

But this opportunity goes much further than just the game of softball itself.

It serves as a chance to create many memories and stories to tell years down the road.

“A lot of this will be their only time to do that. It may be their only time to travel to Virginia, especially to go and play ball and show off their talents. It’s going to mean the world to them. They will remember this forever,” said Caldwell. “All of them have made friendships through this tournament and through these years, but now that we are going there and competing as Louisiana, they’ll remember this forever. When they get older, they can tell their kids that hey that was some of my best times with my best friends that I made at this World Series.”

When they finally arrive in Virginia, they will indeed have their game faces on—ready to show what Louisiana softball is all about.

But in the end—Calwell says it’s all about having fun playing the game they love with the people they care about the most.

“It’s still the fun part of it,” Caldwell said. “That’s why they do it to begin with because it’s fun to them. But the hotel stay and to get together to hang out in the swimming pool and then get up and go play ball. It will be a fun time for them and for us as parents as well.”

And leave no doubt, these girls know they have the entire community cheering them on hoping to bring home, yet, another championship trophy.

“From Winnsboro, the support here we have is always been amazing. Every local business we have has stepped up and helped and asked to do whatever they needed and just supported these girls throughout the season and then again at the state tournament and then now that we are going to Virginia, 15 hours away, it’s just amazing to see the support from all the businesses.”