Pride and Joy on the World Stage: Wyoming Valley Challenger Team Thrives at the LLWS

The Little League World Series stands out as a celebration of youth, sportsmanship, and the boundless possibilities within every player. Among the most inspiring moments each year is the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game. In 2025, the spotlight belonged to the Wyoming Valley Challenger team from Luzerne County, who stepped onto the hallowed grounds of South Williamsport, making lasting memories and exemplifying what true inclusion in sports looks like.

This event went far beyond any typical contest. For players, families, and the entire community, it became an unforgettable display of pride and accomplishment—a testament to how far inclusion in sports has come, and the lives that have been changed by opportunity, support, and shared joy.

Blue Skies, Big Dreams, and International Applause

Under perfect blue skies and before a worldwide audience, the Wyoming Valley team embraced the week-long LLWS experience with unbridled enthusiasm. They were cheered by fellow teams from around the globe—including players from Japan and beyond—who practiced with the Challenger squad and loudly chanted each athlete’s name as they took their turn at bat. The atmosphere was electric, with “Let’s go Mason… Let’s go Mason!” echoing from the stands as Mason Perillo led off for Wyoming Valley.

The trip to Williamsport was packed with memorable experiences: a pool party, touring the Little League museum, sliding down the famous Lamade Stadium hill, and bonding with their Massachusetts Challenger Division counterparts. Some team members also proudly participated in the Grand Slam Parade, soaking in the communal energy and festive spirit surrounding the World Series.

A Week for the Players—And Their Families

For players and families alike, this opportunity was transformative. Brendan Murray, a regular spectator at the LLWS since his early childhood, was now stepping onto that very field, greeted with roaring encouragement from the crowd. His smile at home plate said it all, as his father Greg described the moment as “overwhelming.”

Christine Granahan, recalling the progress of her daughter Mckenna over 15 years with Challenger baseball, admitted she was moved to tears nearly the entire day. “I had tears in my eyes almost the whole time from the minute we got here… And she did it,” she shared. For parents like Chris Sanders, Challenger baseball means their child can be himself, free from pressure and full of joy, witnessed by families and fans from around the world.

Guest Coach and Champions for a Day

Adding to the excitement, two-time Major League Baseball World Series champion Johnny Damon served as guest coach at third base, energizing players and offering big-league encouragement at every turn. The team met special guests, including the beloved Little League mascot Dugout and even Mickey Mouse, contributing to the festive, star-studded environment.

With no scores kept and each player given multiple opportunities at bat, the exhibition reinforced the program’s core belief: everyone hits and everyone wins. The stands were filled with families holding cutouts of their players, supporters in matching team shirts, and an entire league of umpires ceremoniously calling every runner “safe.”

One of the day’s most memorable moments came when James Scholten Jr., 21, from Sugar Notch, threw out the first pitch in the international championship game immediately following the Challenger contest—a lifelong memory and an honor that captured the inclusive spirit of the event.

Community Impact and Celebration

The collective pride felt by everyone in attendance was palpable. The Wyoming Valley Challenger team’s journey and presence at the LLWS drew national attention—WVIA even broadcast the game live to audiences across the country. For many in the stands, the sight of their children, friends, and students enjoying the game, connecting with players from around the world, and participating in once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like meeting professional athletes, meant everything.

For coaches like Beth and Jim Qualters, who supported their daughter, Morgan, and her teammates on the field, the day was a highlight of a lifetime. “The smiles on their faces said it all. That’s what it was all about… I couldn’t ask for a better day,” Beth said. “I even put dirt in my pocket just to remember the whole day.”

The Spirit of the Challenger Division

The Wyoming Valley Challenger team’s participation illustrates what can be achieved when a community comes together around the principles of acceptance, encouragement, and joy. From warm-up to final wave, the players thrived in the Little League World Series spotlight, sending a powerful message about the unifying force of sport. The experience has inspired new families and volunteers in Northeastern Pennsylvania to join the Challenger family, ensuring that the legacy of inclusion will continue to thrive.

As the 2025 LLWS comes to a close, the performance and spirit of the Wyoming Valley Challenger team remain an enduring highlight—a reminder that in baseball and in life, the greatest victories come when everyone gets the chance to shine.