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June 2026 - Dragons 8U Edition

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celebrate.

PLAY HARD. DREAM BIG. ALWAYS REMEMBER.

PLAYER PROFILE Nomination

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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.

plays he saw on television, he started trying to recreate those moments at home, and his passion for the sport quickly grew.

Today, the Pirates remain his favorite team, and Pittsburgh pitching star Paul Skenes is his favorite player. One of Bodhi's favorite memories from this season was an unforgettable day at the plate and in the field. "I went 10-for-10 in two games and threw out runners from the outfield," he said.The performance showcased not only his hitting ability but also the strong defensive skills that make him a valuable teammate.

For Bodhi, baseball is about more than just statistics and wins. His favorite part of being on a team is making fri and creating memories with his teammates. He enjoys watching both the 8U and 10U teams play and loves sharing the experience of the game with those around him. When he's not on the baseball field, Bodhi enjoys collecting baseball cards and spending time playing games with his family.Those family connections are especially important to him, and it's no surprise that his biggest role model is his mom. "My mom is my biggest role model because she makes sure I get everything I need," Bodhi shared. "She works with me constantly to help me be my best and teaches me everything she knows."

With a strong work ethic, a supportive family, and a passion for the game, Bodhi Shifko continues to grow as both a player and a teammate. As he chases his baseball dreams, one thing is certain—he's already making memories that will last a lifetime.

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For Briggs Speed, baseball is about much more than the game —it's about hard work, friendship, and making memories. Th Proctorville, Ohio native has been playing baseball for th and continues to grow his love for the sport as a member of the Dragons Baseball Club 8U team.

Wearing jersey number 00, Briggs plays both first base and pitcher, two positions that require focus, confidence, and leadership. Whether he's making a play in the field or helping his team from the mound, Briggs is always ready to contribute.

One of his favorite moments from this season came during a defensive play that showed both determination and quick thinking. "My favorite sports moment was fielding a ball on the pitcher's mound and throwing to make the out at first from my knees," Briggs shared. It was a highlight that demonstrated his effort and athletic ability in a pressure situation.

Briggs looks up to Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz and proudly cheers for Pittsburgh as his favorite team. His passion for baseball is matched by his enjoyment of other activities as well. When he's not on the field, he enjoys playing basketball, wiffle ball, and spending time fishing.

Asked what he enjoys most about being part of a team, Briggs gave a simple but meaningful answer: making friends. The relationships built through sports are a big part of what makes the game special, and Briggs appreciates the opportunity to share the experience with his teammates.

With a positive attitude, strong support system, and love for the game, Briggs Speed is building a bright future in baseball. As he continues to develop his skills and make new memories, he's proving that playing with heart is one of the most important parts of the game.

he can makes him an important part of the Dragons' succes

One of Cooper's favorite memories from this season is a play that perfectly captures the excitement and unpred youth baseball. His highlight came when he turned a bun home run, a moment that quickly became one of the most memorable experiences of his season.

A fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Cooper's favorite player is shortstop Elly De La Cruz.Watching talented athletes comp the highest level helps fuel his passion for the game an

While baseball is a big part of his life, Cooper stays a football and basketball, continuing to build athletic sk

When asked what he enjoys most about being part of a team, he said.The friendships built through sports are among t every practice and game even more enjoyable.

As Cooper continues his baseball journey, his love for th player to watch. Whether he's making plays on the field baseball is about much more than the final score.

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whose all-around talent and dedication inspire him to keep improving his own game. Lawson is also a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and enjoys following the sport whenever he can.

When asked about his favorite memory from this season, Lawson immediately thought of a thrilling game-winning moment. "Hitting a walk-off double to win the game," he said.The clutch hit not only secured a victory for his team but also created a memory he'll never forget.While Lawson enjoys competing on the field, what he loves most about being part of a team is the camaraderie. "Being with my buddies and cheering for each other when we hit the ball hard," he shared. For him, baseball is about more than wins and losses—it's about friendship, teamwork, and supporting one another.

Away from the diamond, Lawson stays active with a variety of hobbies. He enjoys camping, wrestling, football, and fishing, giving him plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors and stay busy throughout the year.

Lawson's biggest role model is his dad. "He used to be a really good baseball player," Lawson said. Looking up to his father's experience and love for the game motivates him to continue working hard and developing his own skills.

With a strong passion for baseball, supportive teammates, and a love for competition, Lawson Fuller is building memories that will last a lifetime. Whether he's delivering a game-winning hit or cheering on a teammate, he's showing what makes youth sports so special.

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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17 - NIV

Who are you? Are you what you do? A cheerleader, a goalie, a linebacker? Or are you what you have achieved? MVP, Honor Roll Student, a Winner? Are you the things you have done right? Or defined by the things you've done wrong? What about what others think? Are you all of that? None of that? Who are you?

Finding your Identity

As a young person it is often hard to know who you are. You are trying to find your own identity, but are you looking the right places? Many young athletes define themselves by their sport, their role in the team or how good they are in that position. School, sports and friends are all amazing things and can be great in your life, however these are not all the things that define you. There is a more important calling to your life, a call from God who created you, who loves you and who helps you reach your purpose in this life. The world feeds you other “purposes” but when you push that away and allow God to show you what you were made for, you begin to know yourself more.

Your Identity in Christ

The bible often reminds us of who we are, a beloved creation of God. In the New Testament, identity in Christ is mentioned A LOT. We are told that we are created and chosen by God to follow Jesus as disciples. Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Jesus was sent to take our sin, so that we could be redeemed and be the righteousness of God that we were created to be. By following Jesus and obeying Jesus’ command from John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Our main purpose in Christ is to share the gospel and the love of Jesus to all that we can.

Purpose as a New Creation

When we accept our purpose, given to us from God in Christ, we begin to be a new creation, like stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Following your purpose as a new creation in Christ means you should pursue Him in all things. If you want to follow God’s will for your life, do these three things:

1. Know God- An experiential knowledge, not just Bible trivia, experience God’s Presence and get to know Him. Knowing God will make you wiser and clearer on your purpose.

2.Be Transformed- as said best by John Ortberg, “God’s primary will for your life is not so much about what you do but who you become.”

3.Do Good- as Micah 6:8 says “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Youth Nation Challenge

Learn to Know God

Let God Transform you

Do good as God commands of us

Lead others to God so they might find themselves too

Wearing jersey number 12, Lukas loves being part of a team and says the best part of baseball is the friendships he makes along the way. Learning to work together, encourage teammates, and have fun on the field has made every season special.

all—with enthusiasm, determination, and a smile.

ertain: his love for the game and the friendships he m

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For Remi Shifko, baseball is more than just a game—it's a that started with family and has grown stronger with every se Now in his third year of playing, Remi is a proud member of Dragons Baseball Club U8 team, where he w and contributes wherever he's needed in the infield and outfield.

Remi's love for baseball began while watching Pittsburgh Pirates games with his family.Those experiences inspired him and his brother to give tee ball a try, and they quickly fell in love with the sport. Today, Remi proudly cheers for the Pirates and looks up to rising baseball star Konnor Griffin.

One of his favorite memories from this season was an unforgettable moment at the plate. After driving a ball all the way to the fence, Remi raced around the bases for his very first inside-the-park home run. It was a thrilling achievement and a reward for the hard work he puts into improving his game.

Outside of baseball, Remi enjoys collecting baseball cards and spending time with his friends and family. He says the best part of being on a team is winning, making new friends, and working together to become the best players possible.

When asked who inspires him most, Remi points to his mother. He admires her because she is always there to help and support him no matter what. That encouragement, along with the support of his family, motivates him to keep chasing his goals.

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Ryen Casto's love for baseball runs deep. Now in his t the Dragons Baseball Club 8U team, Ryen continues to imp game while creating memories with teammates and family who helped inspire his baseball journey.

Wearing jersey number 3 and playing first base, Ryen first became interested in baseball because of the important role the sport played in his family. His dad played the game, and his PawPaw spent time coaching, helping pass down a love for baseball that continues today. Their influence sparked Ryen's passion for the sport and motivates him to keep working hard each season.

One of Ryen's favorite memories from this year was helping his team reach the championship game in one of their first tournaments of the season. Competing alongside his teammates and experiencing the excitement of a championship run made it a moment he'll never forget.

A fan of the Atlanta Braves, Ryen looks up to former Braves star Dale Murphy as one of his favorite baseball players. When he's not on the diamond, he enjoys spending time outdoors fishing and camping with family and friends.

For Ryen, one of the best parts of baseball is simply being with his teammates. The friendships he has built through the game make every practice and game even more enjoyable.

With a strong family foundation, a love for the game, and a dedication to improving each year, Ryen continues to make the most of every opportunity on the field. His growth and determination are helping build a bright future both in baseball and beyond.

older brother, Jase, inspired him to start playing. Since then, his love for the game has continued to grow, fueled by the same passion and excitement that first drew him to the sport.Today, Sawyer cheers for the Cincinnati Reds and enjoys watching one of his favorite players, Elly De La Cruz.

One of the biggest highlights of Sawyer's season came when he

lenty of other sports and activities. He enjoys playing wiffle ike whenever he gets the chance.

ding time with his friends. Whether it's practice, games, built through baseball make every season special.

nts to his brother Jase. He hopes to be just like

ortive family cheering him on, Sawyer continues to make the having plenty of fun along the way.

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Tate Jenkins has spent the last five years building baseball, and his passion for the game continues to grow wit season. As a shortstop for the Dragons Baseball Club, Tat energy, determination, and a team-first attitude every time he steps onto the field wearing jersey number 8.

Tate's baseball journey began after watching Major League Baseball games as a young child. Inspired by the athletes he saw on television, he dreamed of playing the game himself. Today, he proudly supports the Los Angeles Dodgers and enjoys watching one of baseball's biggest stars, Shohei Ohtani.

While many players remember a big hit or exciting play as their favorite moment of the season, Tate's favorite memory was something a little different. When he joined the team, he was immediately welcomed by his teammates at the very first practice. Their kindness made him feel at home and reminded him that baseball is about more than just wins and losses—it's about friendships and being part of a team.

Outside of baseball, Tate stays busy playing basketball, soccer, football, and spending time on his PlayStation. His competitive spirit and love for sports carry over into everything he does.

For Tate, the best part of being on a team is getting to play ball with his friends. Those relationships make every practice, game, and tournament even more enjoyable.

With a strong work ethic, supportive family, and love for the game, Tate has a bright future ahead. His commitment to teamwork and improvement makes him an important part of the Dragons Baseball Club and a player to watch in the years to come.

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