SOUTH WINDSOR—The most important thing you need to know about the South Windsor Little League Softball program is their commitment to team and to town.
Yes, some players from the District 8 champions scatter like the summer wind to play on travel teams throughout the region.
But this time of year, only two words matter the most: South Windsor.
“This is a really special group,” South Windsor manager Matt Kaminski said of squad. “They’ve all worked really hard, and they play on different teams through different parts of the year, but they’ve done a great job coming together, to have them come back, represent the town. Three weeks ago, they show up every day with a ton of energy and focus and it’s a great group. They started with a lot of talent, but they’ve worked extremely hard.”
This is Kaminski’s first year overseeing the South Windsor Little League All-Stars, though he has been an assistant coach as the team has aged up.
As 10-year-olds, the South Windsor All-Stars made it to the state’s final four. This year, they’re looking to make it even further.
South Windsor sailed through the District 8 tournament, winning the title tilt by a 22-0 score.
Up next: The Section 4 tournament in Mansfield. South Windsor opens play on Tuesday against the winner of the sectional tournament’s opening day.
What has been the key to South Windsor’s success?
“I think it’s a combination of really strong pitching and we have a really solid line-up,” Kaminski said. “We can hit one-through-12. I do hope that this isn’t in the end for us.”
In the circle, everything starts with Emma Rutkauskus.
“She does a great job in the circle for us,” Kaminski said.
Rutkauskus fires the ball to catcher Claire Kaminski and behind the circle is a solid defense, ready to go when the ball is put into play.
Raegan Burnham is a solid power-hitting first baseman while across the diamond at third base is Isis Hollister. Up the middle, shortstop Leighton Edwards shines both defensively and as the team’s lead-off hitter while sure-handed second baseman Arianna Coco is ready for anything.
In the outfield, six South Windsor players rotate through the game, including Mollie Dumond, Lillianne Miles, Katie Hubbard, Teresa Gudauskus, Brooke Dixon and Addison Gliha.
As for representing South Windsor during this most recent summer run, the players are proud to play for their hometown.
“Even on day one, when all the kids showed up in different gear, we reminded them all we’re here for one reason—South Windsor softball,” Kaminski said. “These girls are so dedicated and have bought in. They push each other.”
South Windsor is hoping it can push each other further into this state tournament: For each other and for their town.
(Editor’s Note—If your Little League team won its district tournament and you’d like to have a story written about them please reach out to us at jnash@ctsoftballblog.com)
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