BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com) – The Belleview Youth 19u Dixie Debs are World Series champions and their hometown couldn’t be prouder.
After a season filled with hard work, determination, and a deep sense of teamwork, the Debs brought home the Dixie Youth Softball World Series title from Louisiana, uniting their community in celebration.
“Winning the Dixie Youth Softball World Series means dreams do come true,” said Head Coach Lawrence Quartararo. “These girls have worked for years to accomplish this goal. They’ve earned every bit of this moment, and I’m just so proud to be part of it.”
The key to their success? Trust. “It takes a village, family, friends, our park, the community, the local high schools, all believing in each other,” Quartararo said. “That belief was our foundation.”
The energy in Louisiana was electric. While the competition was fierce, camaraderie took center stage. “At the state tournament, Florida teams are fighting for one spot,” Quartararo explained. “But at the World Series, we all came together. It was exciting to cheer each other on and hear those loud ‘Florida’ chants in the gym.”
A pivotal moment came early in the championship game when Emily Thompson launched a leadoff home run. “It was glorious,” said Quartararo. “It brought our girls to life, and from there, they took over.”
Belleview’s pitching staff dominated throughout the tournament, allowing just 11 runs in nine games. With strong defense, standout catching, and key contributions at the plate from players like Thompson and Callie Pfriender, every girl on the roster rose to the occasion, even stepping into unfamiliar positions to help the team.
“We built this group with team-first players,” Quartararo said. “Shortstops playing second, pitchers playing outfield, no one blinked. They just did what was needed.”
The response back home has been overwhelming. “We had over 135 families watching our games live on weekday afternoons,” Quartararo shared. “This win isn’t just for the girls, it’s for Belleview.”
Quartararo expressed deep gratitude for the many who helped make the trip possible, including Pasta Faire and Kathy Thorpe, The Rock Program, Belleview Eagles, Almeida Realty, AJs Well & Pump, and others. “This was a total team effort, on and off the field. And I can’t thank my wife, Kathy, enough, she’s my superwoman.”
As for what’s next? “Hopefully the Mayor invites us to the Belleview parade,” he said with a smile. “These girls deserve that moment with their community.”
And while the spotlight is firmly on the players, it’s worth noting this was Coach Quartararo’s second trip to the World Series as a head coach, but his first championship win, a testament to his leadership and passion for the game.
“These girls made Belleview proud,” he said. “And they’ll return to their high school and college teams as World Series champions. That’s something they’ll carry with them forever.”