By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

The Helena Girls 10U Park & Rec All-Stars are on the journey to repeat last year’s success.

On Saturday, June 16, for the second year, they won the area tournament played in Wetumka.

This win sends them to the State Tournament in Huntsville, June 21-23.

Next they are headed to Gulf Shores for the USSSA Rec/All-star World Series on July 1- 5.

Coach Rick Sprouse is leading the way, as he did last year, and Sue Parsons is coaching the pitchers. Other coaches are Jeffery Fulmer, Keith Osborn and Michael Darabaris.

“We have an incredible group of girls this year,” Parsons noted, “with five returning from last year.”

“Last year I learned how to be a good catcher,” Hannah Williams said. “This year I learned how to be a good leader and how practice is really important. We play like we practice.

“We have the best coaches,” Williams continued. “I love being able to throw people out from home plate on my knees. I hope to hit it over the fence soon!”

“Our team is extra special because we’re each other’s biggest fans,” Jocelyn Fulmer said,

“and always backing each other up.”

“Our team works well together and are very close,” Mallory West said. “This is my second year as a 10U All-Star and we have definitely worked harder and grown much from last year.”

“I love the way all of us girls come together to lift up a teammate that may be down,” Ily Byrd said.

“We have all improved from last year,” Marlee Parsons said, “due to a lot of hard work and we will continue to do our best each game. We look forward to continuing our journey and playing in the State Tournament. My favorite memory so far this season is my teammate Ily sliding into home plate with two outs in the bottom of the inning to score the winning run for the Area Championship.”

A fundraiser for the World Series trip is scheduled on Tuesday, June 26, 5-8 p.m. at Pelham Sonic by Oak Mountain Lanes. Donators will receive a cool Rage All Star magnet.

Donations may also be made by contacting Laura Sparks at (205) 240-4995.