Perry Junior League 10U Angels headed to The Boot

PERRY, Ga. — The girls of the Perry Junior League just keep moving the bar.

In 2021, the PJL sent their 6U group to represent Georgia in the Dixie Youth World Series. Last year the 8U Darlings, many former members of the 6U group, went back to the DYWS. This year, some will be returning yet again to represent Georgia and the 10U Angels in Alexandria, Louisiana.

To get here, the five teams in the 10U softball bracket had to play 12 games each before coaches nominated and selected players to be a part of the 10U All-Stars.

Those All-Stars took down Bleckley in the state championship to take the crown — but they’re chasing another one now.

But that doesn’t mean they can’t stop and smell the roses before heading to the Bayou State.

“It feels great,” 10U Diamonds coach Roy Noble said. “All the coaching positions are volunteer but we all do it to see them come together and hone their craft and skills and see it pay off in big moments like that. It’s what it’s all about.”

While winning is almost always the primary goal for any sports program, the Perry Junior League focuses on more than that.

After all, to win state and national championships it takes more than throwing together the “best” players on one team. It takes support from parents, coaches and the board. It also takes commitment, good relationships, and a love of the game.

That’s how the Angels got this far, and it’s what’s going to carry them into and through the Dixie Youth World Series.

“It just says that they love playing softball. Perry Junior League does a great job of having a good season. It’s just a good facility and a great group,” Noble said. “Lots of girls are friends from school and they compete against one another and they just have a blast. They get to know one another after being in the league for a few years at different age groups. The new girls that come in from other areas, they love it as well. It’s just a great atmosphere.

The great atmosphere the PJL provides will do much more for the players than fill up the trophy case. It will give them long-lasting relationships and memories for a lifetime, and some might say that’s more important than winning.

The Dixie Youth World Series will start July 28 and go through Aug. 2.

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