A special softball journey for Kathryn Sandercock began with a simple decision by her parents to sign her up for Little League® as a child. Little did they know at the time that decision would set her up for a career and life lessons she would never forget.
As a Little Leaguer® in 2013, Sandercock helped lead her McLean (Va.) Little League team all the way to the Little League Softball® World Series championship game, and today, Sandercock continues to showcase her softball talents as an athlete on the Chicago Bandits of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and the SGH Galaxy Stars of the Japanese Diamond League. Looking back on her Little League experience, her parents, Colin and Trish Sandercock, recall the emotions, lessons, and memories that helped shape her path on the diamond.
“As a kid, Kathryn wanted to hit with her sister and dad in our neighborhood cul-de-sac,” said Trish. “On her very first swing, she hit a perfect line drive into the neighbor’s yard, and we looked at each other and just thought, ‘wow’. Right after that, we signed her up for Little League fall ball.”
As Kathryn continued to develop as a player, her ambitions grew alongside her talent. The long seasons, demanding training schedules, and year-round commitment never discouraged her. Instead, they fueled her determination to compete at the highest level.
“Kathryn knew she wanted to play Division I college softball, even after someone explained how different the lifestyle is for student athletes,” said Trish. “And, not long after she started her career playing at Florida State University, she decided softball would be her career. Over the years, not only has Little League been a tremendous launching pad for our daughter’s softball career, but we’ve made lifelong friends as well.”
The Sandercocks continue to stay in touch with their community and believe that the program brought their family closer.
“Little League brought her a lot of confidence and fun,” said Trish. “A memorable moment for me that changed our family life was when Kathryn was 12. She was the winning pitcher in the Virginia State championship game, and afterward her older sister said, ‘Wow, you’re like a big star!’ From that moment, Kathryn’s older sister gained respect for her, and they’ve been close ever since. Little League definitely helped shape our daughters’ bond.”
As the Sandercocks continue to celebrate the success of their daughter, they will never forget the memories, moments, and friends the program provided for their children.
“Little League means community, family, fun, teamwork, togetherness, and a sense of belonging to build confidence,” said Trish. “I still love going to the Little League games today and witnessing the relationships and communal feeling happening on the field.”
That same feeling has resonated with Colin. However, it was a moment during the Virginia State final that opened his eyes to the true meaning of Little League.
“It was the Virginia State final, and we were standing on the field before the game and listening to the national anthem. I just remember being there with our coaches and players and thinking this is what it’s all about,” said Colin. “One of the best parts of Little League is that all these kids came from the same community, and every team has both experienced players and players who might be playing for the first time. And some are younger, and some are older, but they all must play together to win. I especially enjoy it when one of the newer players catches a tough fly ball in the outfield or makes a good play in the infield. Everyone cheers for her, and you can just feel the sense of community among the players and fans.”
The Sandercocks knew the best was yet to come for Kathryn. There was still more of the story to be told, and Little League was the foundation that gave Kathryn confidence, friends, and most importantly, fun.
Recognized in Greenville as the 2023 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year, marking the first time in the award’s history it was presented to the parents of a softball family, the Sandercocks were especially thrilled to see how the Little League Softball World Series (LLSWS) has evolved since their daughter played when it took place in Portland, Oregon.
“The game is finally gaining respect,” said Trish. “The girls work just as hard and are equally as fun to watch. A lot of Kathryn’s friends and our family started watching softball, and they tell me how they never knew how fun and exciting it could be.”
“It’s great for women’s sports,” said Colin. “There are so many amazing women athletes. You watch the girls in Little League, and then you see them progress up through the college ranks, and then to the professional ranks. Everyone is starting to recognize just what great athletes they are.”
If there was one takeaway from the Sandercock’s, it would be for families to understand how rewarding Little League could be.
“Little League was a blast for Kathryn and her teammates,” said Trish. “The girls cheer in the dugout and make instant friends. I think Little League softball really brings out the best in these girls.”
While Kathryn is now the one mentoring young athletes and sharing words of encouragement, her dad, Colin, still has some advice for her:
“Little Leaguers everywhere are watching and getting to see what a great game it is that you play, and they’ll want to be just like you. Keep perspective and most importantly, have fun!”
The story above is shared as part of Little League’s #LLProudParent content series, sharing first-person reflections on their experiences with their child in the Little League program. Have a story you’d like to share? Feel free to share it, along with any photos that help tell the story, to [email protected].
More Little League Proud Parents:
- “Our Last 12-Year-Old Season,” By Jessica Mendoza, U.S. Olympic Softball Gold Medalist and ESPN Analyst for the LLBWS
- “That’s the Beauty of Little League®,” by Josh Rawitch, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
- “Little League® is Where it All Started,” By Dusty Baker, Former MLB Manager