WASHINGTON — A trailblazing softball team from D.C. is making history and now thanks to the generosity from the community, they will get to compete in the World Series.
The Mamie Johnson Little League Softball team is made up predominantly of Black girls from Wards 7 and 8. The team just won the DC 1 State Championship on June 22. Now, the next step in their journey is heading to Bristol, Connecticut, for the Little League World Series Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament. The tourney includes teams from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
On Wednesday, the team announced that they needed some help raising the funds to cover the travel and lodging costs. Coach Keith Barnes, created a GoFundMe account encouraging other to donate.
Barnes said the trip's importance goes beyond the diamond.
"This milestone isn’t just about winning - it’s about representation and opportunity. By supporting their journey, you’re helping to grow the sport and empower these talented athletes," Barnes wrote on the fundraising page. " Together, we can make a difference and show the world that diversity in sports matters."
In just 24 hours the team's GoFundMe account reached $23,430, surpassing their goal of $20,000. And the person that helped get them over the hump was Capitals/Wizards/Mystics owner, Ted Leonsis.
Leonsis donated $2,500 to the team's fundraiser citing WUSA9's coverage as his reason.
"Yes, Ted was so moved by Delia's story and wanted to close the gap! Thanks for such a great story!!" a representative from Monumental Sports told WUSA9.
The tournament will begin August 4.
This isn't the first time we have covered the Mamie Johnson Little Leaguers. In 2018, the boys team also made it to the regionals.
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