LAKE MARY, Fla. – Family and supporters came together early Thursday to send off the Lake Mary All-Stars to the Little League World Series.
The team defeated Tennessee on Tuesday to win the Southeast Region and advance to Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
With their bags packed, the players boarded a van while cheers came from those gathered at Lake Mary Sports Complex.
“I’m incredibly proud of these kids and the work that they’ve put in and the dedication that they’ve done,” head coach Jonathan Anderson said.
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After falling one game short of making the World Series last year, Anderson said he’s determined to do everything he can to help the All-Stars win the tournament.
“I hope to make Central Florida proud,” Anderson said. “We’re not just up there to go up there. We’re up there to represent Central Florida. Bring back a title.”
Mark Alexander’s son, Hunter, is one of 15 players making the trip. He said he’s extremely proud of the team’s accomplishment.
“To be able to be in it and to go to it and to have your son out there on the field, it’s going to be amazing,” Anderson said.
The Lake Mary All-Stars are the fourth team from Central Florida to make the Little League World Series. No team from Florida has ever won the tournament.
“I hope that these kids, I’ve prepared them enough that they’re laser-focused on the game and not the fans around them and we do what we came there to do,” Anderson said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help send the players’ parents to the World Series. You can find that on the GoFundMe website.
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