2026 State Championship -- July 16 - 19 -- Laurinburg, NC

TAR HEEL LEAGUES
SOFTBALL 

Laurinburg Optimist

Johnston County South

Surry County

Wayne County

Girls 8U Division

Roanoke Valley

Cashie

South Granville

Shelby

Williamston

Rolesville

Moore County

Johnston County East

Alexander County

Rock Ridge

Edenton

Currituck

Front row from L to R:  Kinleigh McKeel, Rylee Fleming, Baylor Lambert, Makenzie Etheridge, Rylee Smith


Back row from L to R:  Brynley Long, Ryleigh Colson, Dylan Merritt, Harper Baird, Analyn Long, Nora Edwards, Tenley Hamill


Coached by: Matt Baird, Jason Smith, Courtney Etheridge, and Calvin Long


Representing Roanoke Valley, this talented 8U squad arrives at the Tar Heel State Championship ready to compete with confidence, enthusiasm, and plenty of hometown pride. Guided by coaches Matt Baird, Jason Smith, Courtney Etheridge, and Calvin Long, the team has developed strong chemistry while making memories together throughout the season. Every player plays an important role in the team's success, with Kinleigh McKeel, Rylee Fleming, Baylor Lambert, Makenzie Etheridge, and Rylee Smith often leading the charge while Brynley Long, Ryleigh Colson, Dylan Merritt, Harper Baird, Analyn Long, Nora Edwards, and Tenley Hamill provide depth, determination, and energy every time the team takes the field. As they head to the state's biggest stage, Roanoke Valley is ready to showcase its hustle, sportsmanship, and love for the game while competing against North Carolina's best.

Roster:

Paislee Jean Ashworth
Taylen Beasley
Josiannah Boyd
Nataleigh Bradshaw
Lexi Brown
Skylar Dunn
Presley Ennis
Ava Farmer
Julia Marbry
Emery McMillan
Ashleigh Sloan

Ella Kate Wilkinson

The Johnston County 8U Girls Team brings plenty of energy, heart, and emerging talent to the Tar Heel League Girls Softball State Championship. Every player has played an important role in the team's journey, with Paislee Jean Ashworth, Taylen Beasley, Josiannah Boyd, Nataleigh Bradshaw, Lexi Brown, Skylar Dunn, Presley Ennis, Ava Farmer, Julia Marbry, Emery McMillan, Ashleigh Sloan, and Ella Kate Wilkinson each contributing through timely hits, strong defensive plays, aggressive baserunning, and a never-quit attitude. Their enthusiasm for the game and willingness to cheer one another on have helped build a close-knit team that competes with confidence and sportsmanship. As they take the field against the state's top competition, these young athletes are ready to represent Johnston County with pride, create unforgettable memories, and show that teamwork, hustle, and determination can make every inning count.

Head coach-Taylor Allen
Asst. coach-Tara Fones
Asst. coach-Ethan Ipock
Asst. coach-Will Spence

Emma Jones #20
Jordan Fones #15
Sadie McDougal #10
Marjorie Rodriguez #13
Ella Allen #22
Charlee Spence #19
Brenna Ipock #11

Heidi Harper #00
Remie Byrd #8
Carter Hicks #21
Abigail Grimes #9

Xara Walker #14
Ella Buckner #33


Wayne County's 8U All-Stars are bringing plenty of excitement, energy, and smiles to the Tar Heel State Championship. Led by head coach Taylor Allen and assistant coaches Tara Fones, Ethan Ipock, and Will Spence, this young squad has embraced the fundamentals while learning what it means to compete as a team. Every player has helped make this tournament run possible, including Ella Allen, Jordan Fones, Sadie McDougal, Ella Buckner, Emma Jones, Xara Walker, Heidi Harper, Remie Byrd, Charlee Spence, Brenna Ipock, Marjorie Rodriguez, Carter Hicks, and Abigail Grimes. With big hearts, growing confidence, and a love for the game, Wayne County is ready to enjoy the experience, make lasting memories, and give fans plenty to cheer about as they take the field against the state's best.

L-R: Neveah Logan, Charlotte Poole, McKenna Calame, Ava Alford, Josie Garris, Sheppard Williams, Evelyn (Evie) Heming, Maisie Gallo, Elodie Zoller, Aubree Lesine, Bianca Ihander, Reagan Brown
Not pictured: Coaches - Paul Ihander, Savannah Alford, Chris Brown, Veronica Garris, Christina Gallo

The Rolesville U8 Team represents the next generation of strong, determined, and passionate softball players in their town. The girls nicknamed themselves the “Vampires”. Their all-around skill on the field and positive attitude off the field bring a dynamic and enthusiastic squad to compete at the Tar Heel Leagues State Championship. Across the 12-girl roster, each remains consistent in their willingness to play hard and have fun. The team’s engine is driven by every girl, with Ava Alford, Reagan Brown, McKenna Calame, Maisie Gallo, Josie Garris, Evelyn (Evie) Heming, Bianca Ihander, Aubree Lesine, Neveah Logan, Charlotte Poole and Elodie Zoller, all contributing to the team’s confidence any time they take the field together. Coaches Paul Ihander, Savannah Alford, Chris Brown, Veronica Garris, and Christina Gallo support the girls as they write another memorable chapter in their summer of softball together.


Top Row From Left;
Aaliyah Hayes, Taryn Currin, Ryen Parker, Tate Driscoll, Bailey Wheeler, Rylann Parham, Paisley Jones, Harper Thomas


Middle Row;
Presley Hobgood, Maddie Heilman


Coaches; 

Caleb Wheeler, Lewis Jones, Leon Hayes, Diamond Hayes


**not pictured**
Amelia Schmalzried
Taylor Sunkins


South Granville's 8U All-Stars are bringing excitement, heart, and a never-quit attitude to the Tar Heel State Championships. Led by coaches Caleb Wheeler, Lewis Jones, Leon Hayes, and Diamond Hayes, this young team has grown together throughout the season and is eager to showcase its talent on one of the biggest stages in youth softball. Bailey Wheeler and Taryn Currin bring plenty of pop to the lineup, while Tate Driscoll and Maddie Heilman consistently help spark the offense. Defensively, Aaliyah Hayes and Rylann Parham provide steady play in the field, and Ryen Parker, Paisley Jones, Harper Thomas, Presley Hobgood, Amelia Schmalzried, and Taylor Sunkins round out a fun, focused, determined group that plays with enthusiasm every time they take the field. South Granville is ready to make memories, compete with confidence, and represent its community with pride throughout the championship tournament.

Coaches L-R

Colleen McLaughlin, Danielle Swangler, Dustin Thomas, Steve Goodwin



Second Row L-R

Olivia Neier, Harper Goodwin, Kennedy Swangler, Laiken Hart, Emersyn Pinner, Cora Venard, Gianna DeNitti


Front row L-R
Maryah Lamb, Willa Ferrell, Ryleigh Thomas, Brynnlee McLaughlin, Rae-Lynn McNeil



The Currituck 8U All-Star team proudly represents Currituck with a talented group of young girls who have worked hard all season to earn the opportunity to compete together at the Tar Heel League State Championship. Through dedication, teamwork, and a love for the game, these players have developed their skills while creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.


Led by coaches Dustin Thomas, Colleen McLaughlin, Danielle Swangler, and Steve Goodwin, this team has embraced the values of sportsmanship, perseverance, and teamwork both on and off the field. Their coaches have encouraged each player to grow in confidence while always supporting one another. This year's roster includes Maryah Lamb, Willa Ferrell, Ryleigh Thomas, Brynnlee McLaughlin, Rae-Lynn McNeil, Olivia Neier, Harper Goodwin, Kennedy Swangler, Laiken Hart, Emersyn Pinner, Cora Venard, and Gianna DeNitti. The Currituck 8U All-Stars are excited to represent their community and grateful for the incredible support of their families, sponsors, and fans. Win or lose, these young athletes demonstrate heart, determination, and the true spirit of softball every time they take the field.


Go Currituck!

Coaches:
Dammion Beachboard, Matt Mizelle, Frances McKeel, Millard Lewis


Players - L to R: 

Ady Matthews, Sadie Beachboard, Ella Mae Nixon, Parker Beasley, Heidi Pierce, LilliAnna McKeel, Reagan Hoggard, Layla Myers, Caroline Mizelle, Ava Lewis, Claire Ellis, and Eliza Farless


The Cashie 8U All-Stars are headed to the Tar Heel State Championship with big smiles, boundless energy, and a passion for the game that's impossible to miss. Coaches Dammion Beachboard, Matt Mizelle, Frances McKeel, and Millard Lewis have helped create a team that plays with confidence, encourages one another, and enjoys every moment on the field. Ady Matthews, Sadie Beachboard, Ella Mae Nixon, Parker Beasley, Heidi Pierce, LilliAnna McKeel, Reagan Hoggard, Layla Myers, Caroline Mizelle, Ava Lewis, Claire Ellis, and Eliza Farless have each played an important role in the team's journey to the state tournament. As they take the field against the best 8U teams in North Carolina, Cashie is ready to compete with heart, hustle, and the kind of enthusiasm that makes youth softball so much fun.

Congratulations to the JoCo East 8U girls! Through hard work, determination, and playing together as a team, they’ve earned a spot in the State Tournament! We couldn’t be more proud of these girls and the way they’ve represented JoCo East. Thank you to our families and supporters for being with us every step of the way.


Pictured: Third row L-R

Coach Matt Brown, Coach Justin Barbour, Coach Matt Belch, Coach Kristian Cox


Second Row L-R:

Callie Cuddington, Meredith Humphrey, Diamond Mozingo, Kinley Cox, Kolbie Flowers


First Row Seated L-R:

Julianne Barnett, Summer Bennett, Katie Wilson, Josie Wice, Ellie Barbour, Maddie Brown


Not pictured: Brenleigh Belch

Hallie Johnson
Adley Leonard
Bailey White
Haley Queen
Everly Simpson
Kansas Stanley
Macy Love
Saige Southern
Marlee Phillips
Makennah Key
Reece Pike
Willow Johnson

Representing Surry County, the 8U All-Stars are bringing enthusiasm, determination, and plenty of hometown pride to this year's Tar Heel League State Championships. Hallie Johnson, Adley Leonard, Bailey White, Haley Queen, Everly Simpson, Kansas Stanley, Macy Love, Saige Southern, Marlee Phillips, Makennah Key, Reece Pike, and Willow Johnson have spent the season developing their skills and learning what it means to compete as a team. Led by coaches Jake White, Courtney Hale, Eden Phillips, and Chase Lowe, this energetic group is eager to make memories, compete with confidence, and leave everything on the field. With strong community support behind them, Surry County is ready to embrace the challenge and enjoy every moment of the championship experience.


#11 – Sunjai Kimble-Brown
#9 – Emma Bennett
#3 – Brystal Boone
#16 – Ava Trammell
#4 – Callie Ott
#5 – Kenna carver
#1 – Zori Brown
#12 – Kingsley Shepherd
#2 – Wren Cooper
#8 – Hadley Bridges
#7 – Paisley Todd
#6 – Zannah Moore

Head Coach – Nathan Boone
Assistant Coach – Ben Cooper
Assistant Coach – Brandon Todd
Assistant Coach – Hannah Boone

Shelby's 8U All-Stars arrive at the Tar Heel League State Championships united by a simple motto: "We Are Shelby!" That team-first attitude has fueled a season built on growth, determination, and plenty of memorable moments. Brystol Boone and Callie Ott provide plenty of pop at the plate, while Emma Bennett, Ava Trammell, and Wren Cooper anchor the defense with outstanding glove work. Sunjai Kimble-Brown, Zannah Moore, and Zori Brown showcase strong arms across the field, Hadley Bridges and Paisley Todd have earned recognition for their tremendous improvement, and Kingsley Shepherd and Kenna Carver exemplify the sportsmanship that defines this team. Guided by Head Coach Nathan Boone and assistants Ben Cooper, Brandon Todd, and Hannah Boone, Shelby is ready to represent its community with pride, compete with confidence, and make the most of every opportunity on the state's biggest stage.

From the western portion of North Carolina, the Alexander County 8U All-Stars are bringing excitement, energy, and hometown pride to the Tar Heel League State Championships. Harper Brown, Stella White, Bexlee Leonhardt, Madison Bowman, Kinley Walters, Chloe Mitchell, Nora Calhoun, Harper Hughes, Hallie Rowe, Addison Hollar, Payton Herman, and Quinley Boyles have spent the season learning, growing, and celebrating every success together. Their enthusiasm for the game is matched by their willingness to encourage one another and compete with confidence. Guided by coaches Michael Leonhardt, Chris White, Matt Rowe, and Heather Bowman, Alexander County is ready to enjoy every pitch, every play, and every moment of the championship experience while proudly representing their community.

Coaches:

Michael Leonhardt, Chris White, Matt Rowe, Heather Bowman


Back row:

Harper Brown, Stella White, Bexlee Leonhardt, Madison Bowman, Kinley Walters, Chloe Mitchell


Front row:

Nora Calhoun, Harper Hughes, Hallie Rowe, Addison Hollar, Payton Herman, Quinley Boyles


Fresh off a District 7 Championship, the Edenton 8U All-Stars are ready to carry that momentum into the Tar Heel League State Championships. Kinley Copeland, Sage Copeland, Hannah Crouse, Ellison Dowd, Lydia Harvey, Grace O'Kelley, Finleigh Pippins, Tenesa "Lilly" Skinner, Emerson Tarkington, Ivory Grace Turner, and Lillyann Ward have come together as a determined group that plays with enthusiasm, teamwork, and heart. Guided by Manager Ramsey Skinner and coaches Nick Bunch, J.P. Pippins, and Rachel O'Kelley, Edenton is excited to represent its community on the state stage. With confidence built from a championship season and the support of their hometown behind them, these young All-Stars are ready to make every inning count.

Roster:
Kinley Copeland
Sage Copeland
Hannah Crouse
Ellison Dowd
Lydia Harvey
Grace O’Kelley
Finleigh Pippins
Tenesa “Lilly” Skinner
Emerson Tarkington
Ivory Grace Turner
Lillyann Ward

Manager: Ramsey Skinner
Coach: Nick Bunch

Coach: J.P. Pippins

Coach: Rachel O’Kelley

The Laurinburg 8U All-Stars are ready to compete with a talented group of young athletes who play with heart, hustle, and determination. Leading the offense are power hitters Daniti Thomas and Bryleigh Locklear, while Kenzie Chavis, Caroline Davis, and Pippa Garringer consistently put the ball in play and keep the lineup moving. In the circle, Faithe Deese and Sarah Quick give the All-Stars a strong one-two pitching combination, and the defense is anchored by standout fielders Georgia Gallagher and Ava Williams. Rounding out this well-balanced team are Penelope Madden, Oaklynn Goins, and Lisa Clark, whose teamwork, energy, and positive attitudes make the Laurinburg 8U All-Stars a tough opponent every time they step on the field. Together, this talented group is excited to represent Laurinburg with pride and give their all throughout the tournament.

8U Laurinburg Roster


Sarah Quick
Bryleigh Locklear
Kenzie Chavis
Dani Thompson
Georgia Gallagher
Pippa Garringer
Carolina Davis
Penny Madden
Faithe Deese
Ava Williams
Oaklyn Goins
Lisa Clark


The Rock Ridge 8U All-Stars are bringing plenty of enthusiasm and determination as they take the field at the Tar Heel League State Championships. Charlotte Cook, Adilyn Cooke, Brooklyn Fulghum, Joanna Fulghum, Ivy Goodman, Brynleigh Johnson, Elizabeth Lamm, Sadie McHenry, Paisley Thorne, Libby Webb, and Paisley Winship have spent the season growing together, celebrating successes, and learning the value of teamwork. Guided by Head Coach Meredith McHenry and assistant coaches Brett McHenry, Brian Cooke, and Justin Fulghum, this young squad is ready to compete with confidence while proudly representing Rock Ridge. With smiles, hustle, and hometown pride, these All-Stars are looking forward to making unforgettable memories on the state tournament stage.

Head Coach - Meredith McHenry
Assistant Coaches - Brett McHenry, Brian Cooke, Justin Fulghum


Players
Charlotte Cook
Adilyn Cooke
Brooklyn Fulghum
Joanna Fulghum
Ivy Goodman
Brynleigh Johnson
Elizabeth Lamm
Sadie McHenry
Paisley Thorne
Libby Webb
Paisley Winship


The Williamston 8U All-Stars are making the trip to the Tar Heel League State Championships with a talented group eager to compete and have fun along the way. Waverly Jones, Nora Sumerel, DaRiya Everett, Briley Banks, Carsyn Lane, Jayla Harris, Skylar Wiggins, Wrigley Warren, Kuh'Niya Ramson, Jakiyla Andrews, Harper Harris, Katie Rodas, and Samora Whitley have spent the season building friendships, sharpening their skills, and learning what it means to play as one team. Leading the way are coaches Trey Warren, Mike Harris, Drew Jones, and Chris Lane, whose encouragement and dedication have helped shape a memorable season. Rounding out the team is bat boy Hadley Jones, who proudly supports the All-Stars every step of the way. With hometown pride and plenty of excitement, Williamston is ready to enjoy every moment of the championship experience.


Players
Waverly Jones
Nora Sumerel
DaRiya Everett
Briley Banks
Carsyn Lane
Jayla Harris
Skylar Wiggins
Wrigley Warren
Kuh’Niya Ramson
Jakiyla Andrews
Harper Harris
Katie Rodas
Samora Whitley


Coaches
Trey Warren
Mike Harris
Drew Jones
Chris Lane


Bat Boy

Hadley Jones


Coaches:

Brianna Harris, Wesley Quick, Andrew Locklear, Danny Gallahger

Coaches:

Mike Marbry
Anna Marbry
Eric Bradshaw Nick Wilkinson

Just north of this year's tournament host, the Moore County 8U All-Stars are making the short trip with big goals and plenty of confidence. Ivy Oxendine, Bellamy Mitchell, and Talmadge Garner provide power throughout the lineup, while Ellanore Cellamare, Ella Morris, and Ainsley Stevens keep the offense rolling with consistent hitting. Defensively, Sussanah Hopper, Raelyn Manghelli, and Olivia Duerner anchor the team with dependable play in the field. Araceli Mendez, Audra Woodmansee, and Nora Pearsall round out a well-balanced roster that has contributed to the team's success all season. Led by coaches Ben Cellamare, Shauna Manghelli, Justin Morris, and Leslie Fish, Moore County is eager to represent its community, compete with determination, and make the most of the opportunity to play for a state championship just down the road.

Roster
Ivy Oxendine

Bellamy Mitchell,

Talmadge Garner

Ellanore Cellamare

Ella Morris

Ainsley Stevens

Sussanah Hopper

Raelyn Manghelli

Olivia Duerner

Araceli Mendez

Audra Woodmansee

Nora Pearsall

Coaches
Ben Cellamare

Shauna Manghelli

Justin Morris

Leslie Fish