World Powers
by George Diaz
Every compelling story involving success is a journey that can be documented in chapters.
The most recent chapter involves the incredible run of Lake Mary Little League’s 12-and-under All-Stars softball team, which recently finished third in the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, North Carolina.
But the impetus for the success of the Lake Mary girls’ softball and boys’ baseball teams started brewing in 2023. That’s when Jonathan Anderson became president of the baseball program and Brent Fieser took the softball reins.
They had a cohesive vision for the recreational league (for ages 5 to 14): Recruit the top players in the area, who usually leave hometown programs to play in the more competitive travel leagues. This new combination of players would form a balanced and powerful lineup of teams destined to be real contenders.
“I remember sitting at the community center in Lake Mary talking to parents and coaches, and they’re asking about our five-year plan,” says Jonathan. “I told them, ‘We’re about to take this whole Little League by storm. And not just me on the baseball side; Brent on the softball side.’”
Jonathan reflected on that first chapter recently, surrounded by proof that the duo’s plan has indeed come to sweet fruition: a citywide celebration of the 12U (ages 10-11-12) softball team’s recent run of excellence.
Let’s Get the Party Started
The girls had gathered at Central Park in Lake Mary, surrounded by family, friends, and other supporters to celebrate their strong showing at the World Series. Even more impressive was the fact that this was the second consecutive year the team had qualified to play in the Little League Softball World Series. The girls secured third place after defeating Toms River (New Jersey) 5-4 on a dramatic walk-off RBI by Kylie Green in the bottom of the sixth inning, which brought in Avery Little for the winning run.
“I was just thinking see-ball, hit-ball,” Avery said in an ESPN interview after the game. “I put in a lot of hard work and practice, but it’s all paid off.”
The entire community took notice of Kylie, Avery, and the rest of the powerhouse team.
“These girls didn’t just show up to play – they showed up, battled, believed, and represented Lake Mary with pride all the way to the World Series stage,” read a Facebook post from the City of Lake Mary. “What an incredible accomplishment for this group of athletes, their coaches, families, and everyone who has supported them along the way!”
One for the Books
Lake Mary Little League’s recurring appearances in the World Series began in 2024, when the boys’ 12U baseball team defeated Chinese Taipei, 10-7, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. With that victory, the boys became the first team from Florida to win a Little League Baseball World Series title in the 80-year history of the tournament.
Jonathan coached that team, but this was never about a one-man show. The girls’ and boys’ success reflected the hard work put in by everyone involved, from players to parents to coaches. And along the way, a bit of a good-natured rivalry has developed between the boys and the girls and the different age groups.
“Our program has definitely been such a great place to grow up,” says outfielder Quinn Marshall of the 12U softball team. “I think when the boys did that [won the World Series] and put our city on the map, it was like, ‘Hey, we can do this.’ It was almost like a friendly competition.”
Lake Mary’s girls looked solid at the beginning of the World Series, outscoring their opponents 29-0 behind the lockdown pitching from Brynn Fieser (Brent’s daughter) and Chloe Cheek. They would ultimately lose twice to North Carolina in the double-elimination round before securing third place with the victory against Toms River in the consolation bracket. Julie Brandon and Matt Marshall, Quinn’s dad, were the coaches, with Brent serving as manager.
Enjoy the Ride
The team’s elimination in the championship bracket does nothing to diminish a great season. It’s not always about finishing first. Every single team – from professionals to the Little Leagues – dreams of winning. For Lake Mary, it is also about the collective success of the organization.
“I would give all the credit in the world to the board of directors and parents and coaches who put in all of their time to volunteer, dating back several years,” says Brent. “We made a concerted effort to make sure kids who had left to play travel ball felt like they could have a home here and enjoy what Lake Mary has to offer.”
One of the supportive parents Brent is referring to is Kristin Green-Vogt, who went along for the ride during the entire season and tournament run, supporting her daughter Kylie. And Kristin loved every minute of it.
“I think it’s awesome to see how much softball has grown in this community,” says Kristin, a local Realtor. “It’s cool to see the girls do so well and have the community support. They were like little local celebrities who gave up their entire summer to work hard and play hard.”
The Rest Is Still Unwritten
Stay tuned, Lake Mary. There will be more to come, because the Little League’s softball and baseball stories are still being written.
“If you get to Williamsport on the baseball side or North Carolina for the girls’ side, that’s where you want to be,” says Jonathan. “And we’re never going to stop. Once you taste that nectar, everyone wants to get there. Everyone wants to experience that.”
You don’t have to take Jonathan’s word for it. Consider the perspective of eight-year-old Kennedy Green-Vogt, Kristin’s youngest daughter.
“Don’t worry,” Kennedy told big sister Kylie after the 12U softball team’s run ended this summer. “Me and my friends are going to make sure we finish what you started. We will go to the World Series and win it.”