Just two days before the official start of the 2026 Little League Softball® World Series, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, the 12 teams representing communities all around the world came together for a night of excitement, memories, and most importantly FUN at the Girls with Game® Celebration, Proudly Supported by adidas.
“The Girls with Game Celebration is about so much more than one night of fun. It’s an opportunity for these young athletes to connect with one another, build friendships that span countries and regions, and see firsthand the incredible opportunities that exist for girls in our sport,” said Ashlea Miller, Little League Director of Softball Development. “Watching AUSL players like Sami Williams and Kinzie Hansen share their experiences reminds every participant that their journey in softball doesn’t end here, and thanks to the support of our Official Sponsors, we’re able to create moments that inspire confidence, celebrate community, and show these players that they are part of something much bigger than the games they’ll play this week.”
To open the night, the girls were surprised by two professional softball players from the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) as Sami Williams and Kinzie Hansen took center stage for a special “Chalk Talk,” giving advice to the players and answering their questions before posing for a group photo and signing autographs.
Thanks to the support of Little League’s Official Sponsors, including adidas, AUSL, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Easton/Rawlings, GameChanger, T-Mobile, and Topps, the girls had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activations throughout the evening and meet the other players from around the world:
adidas Hair Braiding and Ribbon Station, Bracelet Station, and Custom Photo Ops
DICK’S Sporting Goods Giant Jenga, Cornhole, and Photo Station
Easton Coloring Pages
GameChanger Hype Reel Photo Op
Rawlings AUSL Gold Glove Award
Throughout the night, the players got to enjoy giant AUSL Trading Cards around the event courtesy of Topps, and on the way out, all the participants also received trading pins, including a custom option available from T-Mobile.
To learn more about the Girls with Game Initiative, visit LittleLeague.org/GirlsWithGame.