History continues to be made in Williamsport.
In 1974, a movement began thanks to a young girl from New Jersey named Maria Pepe, leading to a decision that gave Girls with Game® across the country the opportunity to compete in the Little League® program. More than 50 years later, Casynn Meyer made the trip from Nevada across the country to Williamsport when she was selected as one of only 96 female baseball players to compete in the third annual 2026 Maria Pepe Little League Baseball® Legacy Series: A Girls with Game Experience – a tournament held in June recognizing Pepe’s efforts and celebrating the young girls in communities all around the world who now have the chance to play the game they love.
During her time at the Maria Pepe Legacy Series, Meyer had the opportunity to connect with other Girls with Game who continue to break barriers in their own communities. It wasn’t just the games at Lamade and Volunteer Stadiums that were special; it was the feeling of acceptance by her peers that girls can play, too.
“It was an experience of a lifetime getting to play at Lamade Stadium, so I had to come back,” said Meyer.
Two months later, Carsynn returned to Williamsport, but this time she was surrounded by her Paseo Verde Little League teammates on a plane from San Bernardino, California, all excited to represent the Mountain Region in the 2026 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile. As she stepped back onto Lamade Stadium in her first game against the Great Lakes Region, Carsynn etched her name in tournament history, becoming the 26th female player.
“We just wanted to play a game at the region tournament, but now we are on the big stage,” said Meyer. “I don’t feel pressure as one of the only girls here because my teammates treat me like any other player. They are so nice, and our bond is great.”
She might not feel the pressure, but the impact of her lacing up her cleats and stepping onto the biggest stage in youth sports is also not lost on Carsynn.
“Girls can do anything they set their mind to,” said Meyer. “I’m so happy that other girls are able to watch me and be inspired by me.”
No matter what the outcome is in Williamsport, Carsynn is part of the momentum that is bringing more females to baseball.
“I just think it is awesome, and I’m so excited that we both get to be in Williamsport at the same time,” said Meyer. “I want to see so many more girls in baseball, so if you love this sport, just go for it.”