For the first time since the first Little League® Girls with Game Experience in 2026, the event hosted at the home of the Little League Baseball® World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania featured two full days of bringing college athletes and youth softball players together to play they game they love.
“The Girls with Game Experience is about so much more than what happens on the field. It’s about creating opportunities for young girls to learn, grow, and see what is possible for their own journeys,” said Ashlea Miller, Little League Director of Softball Development. “With six collegiate programs joining us this year, along with the opportunity to grow their confidence with Athletes Unlimited Softball League Superstar Maya Johnson, we are grateful to provide an experience that connects the next generation of Girls with Game with strong female role models who were once in their shoes. Our hope is that every participant left this weekend feeling inspired, confident, and excited to continue pursuing their passion for the game.”
Check out a recap of this year’s event, including photo galleries, below:
Day 1
Softball Clinic
Before the Division I athletes and coaches from Army West Point, the University of Maryland, the University of Virginia, and Penn State University, led a three-hour clinic with approximately 150 youth softball players (ages 9-12). Focused on the fundamentals, the clinicians led hitting, fielding, and throwing stations across the complex.
“It’s just really fun to interact with the girls and give back. I remember when I was this little, wondering if I would be able to play at the level I am playing now,” said Caitlin Olensky, University of Maryland Softball Player. “It’s just great seeing these girls show up.”
Sharing the game we love with the next generation 💙
#WeAre | #AllIn https://t.co/be2aWdZNdA
— Penn State Softball (@PennStateSB) October 17, 2026
“It’s so much fun working with these girls. I remember when I was that age and I just want to give back and have fun with them because this is such a great sport. I want to be there for them and teach them new things and have fun with it,” said Jade Hill, University of Virginia Softball Player.
Confidence Session with Maya Johnson, AUSL Oklahoma City Spark
After competing in the 2026 AUSL Pro Game at the Little League Softball® World Series, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, over the summer, Oklahoma City Spark pitcher Maya Johnson made the trip to Williamsport to sit down with the youth participants and college athletes to discuss the important of confidence. Each participant brainstormed achievable goals during the Girls with Goals activity before writing a note to their future self to read when they need a boost of confidence and encouragement.
“I was really excited about it because when I was a youth softball player, I was really fortunate to be exposed to a lot of college softball players because of where I grew up,” said Johnson. “Getting to give some of the same advice some of those players gave to me when I was little has been really meaningful to me. I think it is a part of growing the game so I was very excited to be here and to be asked to be here.”
College Softball Doubleheader
After a fun-filled day of building new friendships and focusing on the fundamentals, the day ended with a Division I College Softball doubleheader between the University of Maryland Terrapins and the University of Virginia Cavaliers, followed by the Penn State University Nittany Lions and the Army West Point Black Knights. Before the first game, Johnson threw out the ceremonial first pitch. She was followed by volunteer umpire, United States Military Academy instructor of Spanish, and decorated Army Major Orlando Joel Martínez Kianez, who threw the ceremonial first pitch before the second game of the day. After each game, youth participants and fans had the opportunity to meet the college superstars.
Day 2
Pitching and Catching Clinic
To kick off a Sunday of softball, approximately 90 youth softball players participated in a clinic focused on pitching and catching, led by AUSL’s Maya Johnson, plus college athletes and instructors from Lock Haven University, Mansfield University, and Bucknell Univeristy.
“Today is about interacting with these young girls, getting to know them and letting them feel special,” said Angie Stackhouse, Bucknell Unviersity Head Softball Coach. “All of the college girls can remember being at a camp or clinic setting during their career and looking up to the athletes working with them that day. So they were all excited to be on the other side of things for these girls. It’s just been a fantastic experience.”
From agility and accuracy to the mechanics and confidence, the participants worked on building a strong foundation with each station focusing on the little things that help develop a well-rounded pitcher and catcher who is ready to lead on the field.
Bucknell vs. Mansfield
After the clinic wrapped up, the Bucknell Bisons and Mansfield Mounties took the field to compete in an exhibition game in front of the youth participants and local community. After, the registered clinic participants has the exclusive opportunity to participate in autograph sessions with the collegiate superstars.
The unique, all-day event is named in celebration of the Little League Girls with Game initiative, which was launched in 2019 to honor all the girls and women who have made the Little League program what it is today and those who inspire the future generation of female participants at every level. From written stories and feature videos to inspiring quotes and photos across all its digital media platforms, the Girls with Game initiative celebrates the memorable moments, exciting events, and inspiring individuals throughout the Little League Baseball and Softball program all year long. To learn more about this initiative, visit LittleLeague.org/GirlsWithGame.
Any questions or interest in participating in future softball events can be directed to Ashlea Miller, Little League Director of Softball Development, by emailing [email protected].