Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Alabama Dixie Debs Softball All Star team returned home as victors after winning the runners-up title at the Dixie World Series Championship in Louisiana, July 28-Aug. 3. Competing against eight teams from seven different states, the all star team and coaches are very proud of their accomplishment. 

“I am so proud of this team!” said assistant coach Ann Steiner Gregory. “They are so young, and most of them should have been playing in the league below the one we competed in. They played with determination, confidence, and sportsmanship from the time we arrived until we left Louisiana.”

The Dixie Debs began their journey with a victorious 10-0 shutout against Centreville, Tennessee, but then lost 6-0 to North Carolina. They defeated Mississippi 8-3, and then triumphed in the elimination game against North Carolina 7-5. The team fell to Alexandra 17-0 to claim the World Series Runners-up title. 

“The highlight of my weekend was our victory over North Carolina on Sunday night,” Gregory said. “They beat us Saturday night due to multiple errors on our part and us not having any offense. Sunday these girls decided they weren’t ready to go home. They played the best game of the tournament and stayed alive to compete in the championship the next day!”

Head coach Bruce Branum said each player contributed with their athleticism and character on and off the field. 

“It was a pleasure to coach this team,” Branum said. “The girls were not only personally talented, but they also believed in their teammates and the goal of playing their best and never giving up. A special thanks to Greenville Parks and Recreation for giving these girls an opportunity to participate in a once in a lifetime event and supporting them fully through their adventure.”

Coach Gregory encourages more participants to join in next summer’s city league season and believes Greenville could win the World Series title. 

“I would like to extend a huge thank you to the City of Greenville,” Gregory said. “They allowed us to participate and enjoy our time in Louisiana with no worries about funding, as we were given new gear and good meals. Extra thanks to Jerome Harris III, the Mayor [Dexter McClendon], the city council, and I’d also like to thank all of our sponsors and supporters throughout the county who sent money, goodie bags, prayers, and other well wishes throughout the weekend. Lastly, thank you to all of our softball parents! They drove to practices, spent hours in the heat, and washed uniforms, but most importantly they were such great cheerleaders and displayed a positive attitude throughout it all. They truly are the best and represent our city with integrity.”