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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

The Clanton 6U All Stars brought home the 2024 USA Rec World Series title after a perfect showing on July 5-7 in Albertville. The World Series, presented by USA Softball of Alabama, partner of USA Softball, included 6U teams from around Alabama that consisted of five- to six-year-old girls. After the team finished third in the World Series last season, this year’s team took the extra step and brought the trophy back to Chilton County.

The team went 2-0 in pool play on July 5 winning game one 12-0 and game two 15-13, and it earned the No. 1 seed for bracket play on July 6-7. The Clanton All Stars were dominant in bracket play as well, taking the first-round matchup 15-2, and advancing to the championship game with a 15-7 win in game two. In the final, Clanton took it 14-2.

“At one point during the championship game I just leaned on the post and crossed my arms, and my heart was full just watching them play as a unit,” Clanton All Stars coach CJ Robinson said. “The best game they played the entire season was the last one, and it was essentially perfect.”

Robinson added that he was very proud the young girls played their best softball of the season at the end of the year, and it culminated with a World Series win. The players deeper understanding of the game was showcased in the World Series by doing the finite things on the field, like left and right fielders backing up throws to first and third base. Things that many teams that young would not be doing, much less on their own without instructions from their coaches.

The Clanton 6U All Stars developed as a team over the course of the season, and it showed during their celebrations after winning the title. Players did not look toward their parents or coaches first after the final out, they instead ran to each other, celebrating each other’s success. While the instant gratification from family members and coaches is needed and important, those moments when teams are happy for one another is when you can really see them coming together.

“I did not have to do any yelling or motivating, and they just went out there (and played well),” Robinson said. “No other team at this age that I have seen in my two years coaching it even attempts to do that, and we are not even telling them, the girls just knew.”

The championship game of the World Series was held on a Sunday, forcing families to miss their respective worship times. Robinson decided to hold a small devotional at the team hotel, and word got around throughout the team. On Sunday morning, around 70 players, parents and other supporters joined in a meeting room for the devotional. Robinson said he believes that powerful gathering on the morning before the championship game helped the team close the deal.

Robinson extended an appreciation for the support the Chilton County community has given the 6U Clanton All Stars throughout the season. While the front of the jersey says Clanton, players on the team come from all regions of Chilton County and have roots in Jemison, Verbena, Thorsby, Maplesville and other areas.

 

6U Clanton All Stars Roster

Wesley Driver (coach)

Brannon Johnson (coach)

Conner Lane (coach)

Autumn McCarley (coach)

Avery McCarley (coach)

CJ Robinson (coach)

Charlee Byrd

Maren Davenport

Logan Driver

Blair Edwards

Callie Fuller

Emma Johnson

Kenzie Lane

Kylee Jo Langston

Addison McCarley

Isla Robinson

Tatum Strong

Wheylyn Wright

Sadie Jo Wyatt