ROSEVILLE, California — Softball’s next generation is stepping up to the plate in Roseville this week.
Nearly 40 teams from across the western U.S., including a dozen groups from the Sacramento region, are competing in the USA Softball Western “B” National Championship for 10-under girls. The weeklong tournament that kicked off with opening ceremonies Tuesday morning at Maidu Regional Park.
The high-energy, World Series event runs through Sunday, July 27, with games held daily at Maidu Regional Park and Mahany Park, both located in Roseville. First pitches begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, and fans can attend for free throughout the week.
With roughly 500 players between the ages of 9 and 11 lacing up their cleats and more than 2,500 people expected to attend, the tournament is projected to generate over $1 million for the Placer Valley economy.
“You’re going to see some very good softball,” said Corey Chatman, manager of southwest Sacramento’s Pocket Aces, in a statement. “The teams that are seeded at Nationals are very sound. It’s top tier.”
The tournament goes beyond home runs and strikeouts. Players will swap pins, wear team-themed uniforms, and bond with girls from other cities during Tuesday's opening ceremonies.
“They are super excited about Nationals,” said Fabi Michel, manager of Woodland Elite, in a statement. “Winning is obviously great, but having more time to bond and playing together is special. They are so proud to represent Woodland.”
Many of the participating teams are all-stars or select groups formed through tryouts, with players training together for several months. For local families, the Roseville location makes this elite tournament even more special.
“It’s a luxury to be so close to home,” said Chatman. “It’s an easy sell to parents.”
Roseville has become a centerpiece for USA Softball’s championship tournaments, hosting more than a dozen age-group Nationals since 2010. That success stems from strong partnerships, high-quality fields and a dedicated volunteer base.
“Roseville has great fields and all of the leagues in our association have such amazing volunteers,” said Karla Burket, tournament director for USA Softball of Sacramento, in a statement.
Placer Valley Tourism has invested in softball field upgrades to remain competitive in securing these major events, drawing both returning teams and new participants each year.
The talk surrounding youth softball reflects a broader trend. High school softball participation in California has climbed more than 11% over the past five years, and college viewership is surging.
The NCAA Women’s College World Series hit record TV ratings this year, and Major League Baseball-partnered Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) launched its first full season this summer, with expansion plans already in motion for 2026.
Kadylin Abilo, 11, ranks among the top 20 javelin throwers nationally in her age group after a few months of training.
FOLSOM, Calif. — At just 4 feet, 5 inches tall, 11-year-old Kadylin Abilo is already making waves in track and field — specifically in the javelin throw.
“I was watching the Paris Olympics, and I watched the track and field portion," said Kadylin. "And I saw someone throw the javelin and I was like, ‘Yeah, I want to do that."
Since that moment of inspiration, she’s done more than just pick up the sport — she’s excelled at it. Despite having only a few months of training under her belt, Kadylin has already launched herself into the national spotlight, ranking among the top 20 javelin throwers in her age group across the country. She recently qualified for the Junior Olympics in Georgia.
“I’m really excited," she said. "I’m really happy to be going. I’m proud of myself, because I haven’t been training for very long and I got there.”
Kadylin’s rapid rise in the sport hasn’t gone unnoticed. Her coach, Joshua Gruver, still remembers the moment her talent first turned heads.
“I remember back to the first meet, she launched a massive throw and a guy out of the crowd just goes ‘oh wow,’” Gruver said. “That speaks volumes for how she throws and the dedication that she puts into it. Whatever she puts her mind to, she’ll make it happen.”
That drive and determination are clear, especially for someone her age.
“If you want to do something, just try, ‘cause you don’t know if you’re going to be good at it,” Kadylin said. “If you look at something and you’re like, ‘Oh, I want to do that,’ and you don’t know — don’t doubt yourself. If you try, you can do it.”
As for what’s next, Kadylin already has a vision for her future.
“I’d like to be an Olympian,” she said. “I also want to be a teacher, like a personal trainer, and help kids that were my age once, to help throw and hit.”
In the meantime, Kadylin launched a GoFundMe page for assistance as she heads to the Junior Olympics. You can find the GoFundMe page here. Kadylin takes off for Savannah, Georgia for the Junior Olympics later this week.
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