YOUTH NATION
YouthNationSports.com
WILLIS
WILLIS
Ty Skye
EVANS
GRAVES
Ryleigh Avery
CRAFT
MILLER
PLAY HARD. DREAM BIG. ALWAYS REMEMBER.
July 2026
Avery
KaMiah
LAWRENCE COUNTY
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Disclaimer: Please note that all photos featured in this magazine have been submitted voluntarily by parents or volunteer photographers, and the league has included a waiver and disclaimer in the registration completed by the parent or guardian prior to the season starting. Additionally, the intended audience for this publication is exclusively the parents and league participants. The content featured in our publication, which includes images of youth athletes, local businesses, league updates, and other information, is intended solely for informational purposes. We strive to accurately represent the activities, achievements, and stories of individuals and organizations within our community. Please note that while we make every effort to obtain consent and permission for the use of images and information, there may be instances where individuals or businesses are inadvertently included without explicit consent. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and encourage anyone who wishes to have their image or information removed to contact us promptly. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in our publication are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of our organization. We do not endorse any specific products, services, or businesses featured in our publication unless explicitly stated. By accessing and using our website and publication, you agree to release us from any liability for unintentional use of images or information and acknowledge that the content provided is for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to update, modify, or remove content at any time without prior notice.Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to strive for transparency, accuracy, and integrity in our publication. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the content featured, please don't hesitate to contact us.
PLAY HARD. DREAM BIG. ALWAYS REMEMBER.
LAWERENCE COUNTY’S
YOUTH NATION MAGAZINE | 02
TABLE OF CONTENT fAITH IN SPORTS: Winning and Losing
3 Business Index
5 Player Profile : KaMiah Craft
7 Player Profile : Ryleigh Evans
9 Player Profile : Ty Willis
11 Player Profile : Avery Miller
13 Faith In Sports : Winning and Losing
15 Player Profile : Avery Graves
Let yourself be challenged to follow Jesus’ example and learn to win by losing. More on p. 13
17 Player Profile : Skye Willis
Y O U T H
N A T I O N ’ S
B U S I N E S S
L O C A L
D I R E C T O R Y
Medical
Real Estate
Generations PT | Teays Valley 304-757-2500
Impact Realty Group 304-410-0655
Generations PT | Milton 304-743-6995
Remax Clairty 304-525-7653
Insurance Seka Lewis-Gregor | State Farm 304-736-6100 Christian Brand | State Farm 304-760-5001
Eddie Mylar | Realtor 304-654-6045 Jon Jones | Movement Mortgage 304-881-1434 Success Mortgage 304-544-8666
Ricky Shifko | State Farm 740-867-3137
Local BusinessES
Cameron Vance | State Farm 304-744-4000
Cassie Clicks Photography 304-730-9748 Shimas Family Restaurant 681-217-1219
Home Improvement
Moye Law 304-586-1251
Design Roofing 304-760-8915
Revive Hair Salon | Holli Duncan 304-415-7754
Rt 60 Hardware 304-743-1571
Pioneer AFCU | South Charleston 304-348-6648
Hobba Builder | Custom Homes 304-546-5348
Pioneer AFCU | Huntington 304-348-6648
Assured Footing | Home Inspections 740-416-9167
Pioneer AFCU | Teays Valley 304-348-6648
All State Gutters 304-993-4685
Ohio Valley Bank | Milton 304-743-8074
ADT Safe Neighbor 304-417-0082
Ohio Valley Bank | Adam Chapman 304-721-2726
PLAYER PROFILE
YOUTH NATION MAGAZINE | 05
For KaMiah Craft, softball has been part of life for as long as she can remember. Having picked up the game at just three years old, the Portsmouth, Ohio native has developed into a versatile athlete for Force 2K16, making an impact wherever she's needed. Whether she's holding down third base, working behind the plate as a catcher, or filling a utility role, KaMiah proudly wears jersey number 8 and is always ready to help her team succeed. One of her proudest accomplishments this season came when she earned a spot on the Extra Innings 10U Midwest Watchlist, a recognition that reflects the hard work and dedication she has poured into her game. It's a milestone that motivates her to continue improving every time she steps onto the field. KaMiah's favorite player is Montana Fouts, and she cheers for both the Texas Longhorns and the Talons. She also understands that success in softball is about more than individual achievements. Her favorite part of being on a team is cheering on her teammates and growing together, believing that every player's success strengthens the entire group. Off the field, KaMiah enjoys spending time with family and friends, and the person she looks up to most is her mom.
She describes her as strong, courageous, and a true survivor. Her example of perseverance has inspired KaMiah to face challenges with determination and confidence.
As she continues her softball journey, KaMiah carries that same resilience onto the diamond. With a strong work ethic, a team-first attitude, and a passion for the game she's loved since childhood, she is building a bright future—one pitch, one play, and one goal at a time.
#08
KaMIAH
CRAFT
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PLAYER PROFILE
YOUTH NATION MAGAZINE | 07
For Ryleigh Evans, softball has become much more than a sport—it's something she truly loves. The Gallipolis, Ohio native first stepped onto the field playing T-ball four years ago, and it wasn't long before she discovered a passion for softball. Today, she proudly wears jersey number 44 as the catcher for River City Rampage 8U, embracing the responsibility of leading her team from behind the plate. One of Ryleigh's favorite memories from this season was competing in her very first travel tournament. Taking the field against new competition gave her the opportunity to grow as a player while creating memories she'll never forget. Experiences like that continue to fuel her excitement for the game and motivate her to keep improving. Ryleigh looks up to Tia Titi as her favorite player and cheers for both Marshall and Texas. What she enjoys most about being
on a team is building friendships and getting better with every practice. She understands that success comes from learning
together, supporting one another, and putting in the work every day.
When she's away from the softball field, Ryleigh enjoys spending time outdoors deer hunting and fishing, expressing her
creativity through crafting, and caring for animals. Her biggest role model is her mom, whose kindness and caring heart inspire Ryleigh to treat others with the same compassion.
With a love for the game, a willingness to learn, and an upbeat attitude, Ryleigh continues to grow with every season. As she builds on the experiences she's already gained, there's no doubt her softball journey is just getting started.
#44
Ryleigh
EVANS
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PLAYER PROFILE
YOUTH NATION MAGAZINE | 09
Ty Willis has spent the past four years developing a love for baseball, and every season brings new opportunities
to grow. Representing the Fairland Little League Grey
Team, the Proctorville, Ohio native wears jersey number
7 and plays one of the game's most demanding positions at shortstop, where quick reactions, strong leadership, and confidence are essential.
One of Ty's favorite memories from this season came when he blasted an inside-the-park home run, a thrilling
moment that showcased both his determination and
hustle. Plays like that remind him why he loves the game and inspire him to keep working hard every time he takes the field.
A fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Ty looks up to Elly De La
Cruz for the excitement and energy he brings to the game. But while baseball is important, Ty says one of the
best parts of being on a team is building friendships. Learning, improving, and celebrating success together are what make the sport so special.
When he's not on the diamond, Ty enjoys spending time with monster trucks and playing Roblox. His biggest
role model is his Pawpaw Burcham, whose encouraging words have stayed with him: that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind and heart to. That advice continues to motivate Ty both on and off the field.
With a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a passion for baseball, Ty continues to build a bright future. As he keeps chasing his goals and supporting his teammates, there's no doubt he has many more memorable moments ahead.
When he's away from the baseball field, Sawyer enjoys playing outside and spending time fishing. He says the best part of being on a team is learning and improving together, helping one another become better players throughout the season.
His family is proud of the dedication he has shown not only in baseball but across every sport he plays, as well as in the
classroom. With a strong work ethic, a love for the game, and a willingness to keep learning, Sawyer Cobb is building a bright future one season at a time.
#07
TY
Willis
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PLAYER PROFILE
YOUTH NATION MAGAZINE | 11
Avery Miller's passion for baseball began when he was six years old, inspired by his dad to step onto the field for the first time. Since then, the Proctorville, Ohio native has continued to grow his skills and love for the game. Wearing jersey number 3 for the Fairland Little League White Team, Avery plays first base and takes pride in helping his teammates succeed every time he steps on the diamond. One of Avery's favorite memories from this season came on a spectacular defensive play when he made a diving catch in center field. It was a moment that highlighted his hustle, athleticism, and willingness to give maximum effort, no matter where he's asked to play. A fan of Marshall University athletics, Avery's favorite professional player is Elly De La Cruz, whose exciting style of play
inspires him to keep working hard and playing with confidence. For Avery, one of the best parts of baseball is working together as a team to accomplish shared goals, knowing that success comes through dedication and teamwork.
When he's not playing baseball, Avery enjoys spending time on his PlayStation and boxing. His biggest role model is his dad, the person who first introduced him to the game and continues to inspire him with his support and encouragement.
With a strong work ethic, a competitive spirit, and a love for learning, Avery continues to make the most of every opportunity. Whether he's making highlight-reel plays or encouraging his teammates, he's building a bright future both on
and off the field.
#03
Avery
Miller
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But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
FAITH IN SPORTS 1 Corinthian 15 : 57 - NIV
WINNING AND LOSING
Written by Nate Thompson
Winning isn’t Everything When it comes to sports, one of the things we talk about most is winning. Winning is great,
everyone likes to win. It makes us feel good, it builds our self-esteem and can lead to good things happening for us. However, no one person can win all the time. We all fall short and
lose at some point, and losing does not feel good like winning does. It can make us feel bad, we could beat ourselves up over it and it can hurt our self-esteem.
The world tries to teach us that winning is what matters most. The Bible on the other hand
has a lot to teach us about winning and losing, it shows us that God sees it different than we do. The Bible tells us that winning is no where near the most important goal in life. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says to seek the Kingdom of God above all else.
So what is the goal God has for us in life if not to do anything to win? That is answered in the gospel of Mark (Mark 12:29-31) where Jesus claims there are two commandments that
are greater than all others. To love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourself.
YOUTH NATION MAGAZINE | 14
Love Over Winning Jesus teaches that loving God and loving other people are the most
important things we can do, more
important than winning a game, a
championship, more important than any trophy. When you do lose, make sure to think onto what is more important:
“Did I show love for God by obeying and honoring him with my words and my actions?”
Victory in Jesus In some cases, losing is good. In Matthew
13:44, Jesus told the parable (story with a message or lesson) of a man who gives all
he has to obtain a treasure worth more than anything he had before, the treasure in that
story is the Kingdom of Heaven. Sometimes
losing is worth it because it means winning something even better.
“Did I show love for others by treating them as I would want treated?”
When it comes down to it, if you are following those two commandments, that is a win over any championship.
YOUTH NATION CHALLENGE
It is written in 1 Corinthians 15:57 that
Identify times in your life that
Christ, who loved us”
Greatest Commandments
“Overwhelming victory is ours through
So regardless of if you make the shot, win
you struggle to follow the 2
the game, the tournament or the biggest
Let yourself be challenged to
is worth so much more than any other win on
learn to win by losing.
trophy, you have a victory in Jesus and that Earth.
follow Jesus’ example and
PLAYER PROFILE
YOUTH NATION MAGAZINE | 15
For Avery Graves, this season marked the beginning of an exciting softball journey. In her very first year of
playing, the South Point, Ohio native discovered a
love for the game after deciding she wanted to learn how to bat. Since then, she has embraced every
opportunity to improve while proudly wearing jersey number 28 in center field for the Chesapeake Little League Lady Peake.
Although she's just getting started, Avery has
already made memories she'll never forget. When asked about her favorite moment from the season,
her answer was simple: the games themselves.
Every chance to step onto the field has helped her build confidence, learn new skills, and develop an even greater appreciation for softball.
Avery cheers on Marshall athletics and looks up to Coach Chris and Coach Katy, whose encouragement and guidance
have helped make her first season a positive experience. Her favorite part of being on a team is simply having fun with her teammates, proving that enjoying the game is just as important as the final score.
Away from the softball field, Avery enjoys arts and crafts and spending time swimming. Her biggest role model is her mom, who is always there to help and encourage her through every new challenge.
For a first-year player, Avery has already shown tremendous enthusiasm and determination. With a growing passion for softball, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude, she's off to a fantastic start—and this is only the beginning of what
promises to be an exciting journey.
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#28
Avery
Graves
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PLAYER PROFILE
YOUTH NATION MAGAZINE | 17
For Skye Willis, gymnastics is all about determination, confidence, and having fun while reaching new goals. The
Proctorville, Ohio native has been involved in the sport for the past three years and proudly represents the Bozhis
Gymnastics T&T Team, where she continues to grow with every practice and competition.
This season was filled with unforgettable moments, but Skye's favorite came from winning first place at multiple competitions. Those accomplishments are a reflection of
the hard work and dedication she has invested in developing
her
skills,
perseverance pays off.
while
also
showing
that
Skye looks up to gymnastics superstar Simone Biles, whose incredible talent and resilience inspire athletes
around the world. She also enjoys cheering for LSU and Florida athletics. Beyond the medals and scores, Skye
believes the best part of being on a team is forming friendships that can last a lifetime, making every practice and competition even more meaningful.
When she's not training, Skye enjoys playing with Barbies and baby dolls, as well as roller skating. Her biggest role
model is her Pawpaw Burcham. She says she knows he would be proud of everything she has accomplished this year, and that thought motivates her to keep giving her best every time she competes.
With a positive attitude, a love for gymnastics, and the determination to keep improving, Skye has already achieved exciting success. As she continues to grow in the sport, there's no doubt she has many more memorable moments and victories waiting ahead.
Skye
Willis
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