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The signs are up now at Central Middle School’s softball field. You can stop by and see them anytime. They say “2024 Dixie Angels World Series Champions” and “2024 Dixie Ponytails, World Series Runner-Up.” Every girl on each team has their name displayed, recognized for their role in what was an impressive run for Charlotte County sports this summer. 

“We’ve been playing Dixie ball in Charlotte County since 1958 and our dream was to go to a World Series,” said Charlotte County Supervisor Henry Carwile. Speaking at the Aug. 14 board meeting, he talked about how proud the County and all its residents are of each member of the two teams, as well as their coaches. 

“To have this happen, to have a runner-up team and a champion in the World Series is special,” Carwile said. “This is 25 to 30 young ladies and coaches to go with them and families to go with them and it is a big deal. When your children do something like this, it’s special.” 

Those girls include Aubrey Barton, Averie Barton, Emma Barton, Mallory Barton, Kaydence Friend, Alyssa Gosney, Jolee Layne, Marissa Lee, Harley Nelson, Madilynn Tatum, Reece Toombs and Zytriah Whitehead, along with manager Brian Barton and coaches Katie Layne and Jessica Tatum for the Dixie Angels. 

On the Dixie Ponytails side, you have Leighton Adams, Alayna Amos, Mackenzie Barton, Avery Bolton, Kinley Bryant, Naomi Eppes, Lilly Layne, Avarie Lipscomb, Adilyn Mason, Harper Pyle, Piper Toombs and Jayda Tucker, with manager Billy Barton and coaches Justin Layne and Trent Johnson.  

All of the players and coaches were honored this past Saturday, Aug. 24 with a celebration at the Central Middle School field. They received recognition and certificates from Del. Tommy Wright, as well as their official awards. 

Paying tribute to both World Series groups 

Everyone wanted the girls from both teams to know how proud they were of their achievements. Wright said he was thankful to have the opportunity to honor some special players. 

“Both teams represented Virginia with honor, showcasing not only their immense talent and hard work but also the spirit and sportsmanship that define our community,” Wright said. “I’m proud of their accomplishments on the national stage. Their success is a testament to their dedication and to the strong support of their families, coaches, and the entire Charlotte County community.” 

The World Series win by the Angels isn’t just a first for Charlotte County. This is also the first time Team Virginia has won the Dixie World Series in the Angels division. 

“Charlotte County is so proud of both the Ponytails, earning runner-up in the World Series, and the Angels for bringing the World Series title back to Virginia and Charlotte County,” Charlotte County Administrator Dan Witt said. “Congratulations to the girls, coaches, and parents on a great season.  They made history for Charlotte County!”