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PLAY HARD. DREAM BIG. ALWAYS REMEMBER. KANAWHA

Evie Martin

Carter Johnson-Floyd

Austin Kelly

Parker Niebaum

celebrate.

PLAY HARD. DREAM BIG. ALWAYS REMEMBER.

PLAYER PROFILE Nomination

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We love celebrating the hard work, heart, and hustle of young athletes in our community—and your child could be next! To have your athlete considered for an upcoming Player Spotlight feature in Youth Nation, simply scan the QR code below and complete the short submission form. It only takes a few minutes! You'll be asked to provide some basic info, a photo, and a few fun questions to help us tell their story.

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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.

Dunbar Highlights

THE PLACE TO FIND...

HIGHLIGHT REELS

Photo Submission

Use the QR Code on your section to submit your ALL of your favorite photos each month! If you do not see them in the next issue, don’t worry, we continue to pull from the uploads each month!

We do our very best to try and include as many athletes as possible. There are some size requirements that may effect if your photo is chosen. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at youthnationteam@gmail.com

GUARANTEED PHOTO UPLOAD

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Introducing our new Guaranteed Photo Upload option, designed to celebrate your athlete while giving back to the local businesses that support our community.

Every month, Youth Nation receives hundreds of amazing photos of young athletes, and while we love seeing all these great moments, not every photo can make it into the magazine. With this option, you can ensure your athlete's photo is featured in one of our upcoming issues by agreeing to connect with one of the local small businesses that sponsor this program. It’s a win-win: your athlete gets to be featured, and you help support the businesses that keep the community thriving.

To: (304) 484-9844

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FAITH IN SPORTS PASSION. PURPOSE.

JOY.

By Nate Thompson

Abundant Life: Competing With Purpose and Playing With Joy

In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” It’s a powerful reminder for athletes of all ages—especially young athletes—that life isn’t just about surviving. It’s about thriving. It’s not just about showing up. It’s about showing up with passion, purpose, and joy.

Too often in youth sports, we fall into the trap of pressure. Pressure to win. Pressure to be perfect. Pressure to impress. And that pressure can start to steal the joy of the game—the very thing that made you fall in love with your sport in the first place. That’s the thief Jesus warned about.

The enemy would love for you to believe your value is based on your stats, your speed, or your scoreboard. He whispers lies like “you’re not good enough,” “you’ll never make it,” or “you’re just a benchwarmer.” But Jesus offers something completely different. He says: You are enough because I made you. I have more for you. I came to give you life—and not just life, but life to the full.

And yes, that includes how you play, how you lead your team, how you bounce back from failure, and how you carry yourself in victory.

Living an abundant life as an athlete doesn’t mean you’ll always win. It means you’ll always grow. It doesn’t mean you’ll never face setbacks. It means you’ll never face them alone. God doesn’t promise ease— but He promises fullness. And in youth sports, that fullness shows up in the friendships you form, the resilience you build, the leadership you step into, and the joy you feel every time you give your best effort.

Coaches, this is your chance to pour into more than just players—you’re shaping young lives. You’re giving them tools for faith, for adversity, and for character.

Parents, speak life into your athletes. Remind them that their identity isn’t based on performance, but on the God who created them.

Athletes, don’t just play the game—live the life. Smile. Encourage. Hustle. Compete. Worship. You were made to do more than go through the motions. You were made to live fully and freely.

So the next time you take the field, court, or track, remember what Jesus said: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” That’s not just a promise for Sunday morning—that’s a promise for every moment, including game day.

Play with freedom. Compete with heart. Live with purpose. Because the most important victory is living the full life God created you for.

PLAYER PROFILE

NITRO LITTLE LEAGUE – MCDONALD’S TEAM | # 8 | PITCHER

# 8

From Cross Lanes, West Virginia, Evie Martin is stepping onto the softball field with confidence and curiosity as a first-year player for Nitro Little League’s McDonald’s team. Wearing #8 and taking on the role of pitcher, Evie is proving that trying something new can lead to exciting achievements and big smiles.

Her favorite moment this season? Hitting coach pitch, a big accomplishment in her very first year of playing. It was a milestone that boosted her confidence and showed just how much she’s grown since starting.

Evie got into softball because she wanted to try something new—and she’s glad she did. Whether she’s learning new skills or playing with her teammates, Evie says the best part of being on the team is “making new friends.” That joyful spirit makes her a favorite in the dugout and a team player on the field.

Off the diamond, Evie shines just as bright. She enjoys beauty pageants, where she brings the same poise and sparkle that she brings to the game. And when it comes to role models, Evie looks up to her biggest supporter—her mom. “She encourages me to try new things and be who I am,” Evie says proudly.

With love and support from home —“Keep shining, little star”—Evie Martin is just beginning her softball story, and the future looks as bright as her smile.

PLAYER PROFILE

# 30

NITRO LITTLE LEAGUE – BURDETTE’S BUTTS / SISSONVILLE TOMAHAWKS | # 30 | RIGHT AND CENTER FIELD

From Nitro, West Virginia, Parker Niebaum is a rising star in youth baseball with a big bat, a big heart, and an even bigger love for the game. Wearing #30 and patrolling right and center field, Parker plays for Nitro Little League and the Sissonville Tomahawks travel team—and he’s already making waves on both rosters.

One of Parker’s proudest moments this season came on May 10th, when the Tomahawks won all four games in a travel ball tournament to become champions for the first time this year. Parker contributed in a big way, hitting the ball to the fence three times—an unforgettable performance that showed off his power and passion.

Inspired to play after watching baseball on TV, Parker has been playing since 2022. His favorite player is Elly De La Cruz, and he’s a dedicated fan of The Reds. Off the field, he finds inspiration in Steph Curry, who he admires for always striving to improve and doing what he loves.

Parker brings that same mindset to everything he does. Outside of baseball, he enjoys fishing, swimming, hiking, and basketball, staying active and adventurous yearround. When asked what he loves most about being on a team, Parker says it’s about learning new skills and making lifelong friends—a perfect mix of growth and connection.

With a powerful message from home —“Parker, I could not be prouder of the player and person you’ve become. You are a good friend, dog walker, and team player. I love you so much!”—Parker Niebaum is proving he’s not only a talented athlete, but also a great teammate and person. Keep an eye on #30—his game is just getting started!

HIGHLIGHT REEL

Photo Submission

South Charleston

PLAYER PROFILE

SOUTH CHARLESTON SPURS – BASKETBALL | # 12

# 12

Meet Cortez Johnson-Floyd, a rising basketball talent from South Charleston, West Virginia, who brings passion, hustle, and heart to the court every time he plays. Wearing #12 for the South Charleston Spurs, Cortez is a fierce defender and a true competitor with a love for the game that runs deep.

Now in his third season, Cortez is known for his great defense, a skill he takes pride in and one that helps anchor his team on game day. Inspired by the greatness of LeBron James and Stephen Curry, Cortez plays with intensity, confidence, and a commitment to improving every part of his game.

Off the court, Cortez is just as full of energy and creativity. He enjoys Fortnite, music, dancing, rapping, singing, and of course, beating his mom in basketball—a favorite activity that adds to the fun and family connection sports can bring.

When asked what he enjoys most about being on a team, Cortez says, “Learning more skills and having fun with my team.” His drive to grow while keeping the game joyful makes him a favorite among teammates and coaches alike.

Cortez credits his mom as his biggest role model in life, calling her “the best,” and in sports, he looks up to LeBron for his greatness and Steph Curry for being the best shooter ever.

Backed by powerful encouragement —“You are a warrior, a competitor, and a leader. Dream big, and when you reach those dreams, dream even bigger”—Cortez Johnson-Floyd is a young athlete already proving that no challenge is too great when heart leads the way.

PLAYER PROFILE

SOUTH CHARLESTON LITTLE LEAGUE – ORIOLES | #3 | 3RD BASE

# 3

From South Charleston, West Virginia, Austin Kelly is making his mark on the diamond as a third baseman for the South Charleston Orioles. Wearing #3, Austin has shown impressive growth in just three seasons of baseball—and he's just getting started.

One of the biggest highlights of this season came when Austin got his first out, a moment that every ballplayer remembers. That achievement not only boosted his confidence but also marked a milestone in his development as a player.

Austin’s love for the game runs deep. He says he enjoys all aspects of baseball, from fielding to hitting to being part of the team. His favorite team is the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he draws inspiration from the legendary Jackie Robinson, who he calls “one of the bests.”

Off the field, Austin also enjoys playing basketball, showing his athletic spirit and love for competition in everything he does. But for him, the best part of being on a team isn’t just the games—it’s sharing good memories with teammates who become friends.

With the full support of his family behind him—“We are so proud of you and how far you have come in just a short amount of time. We love you.”—Austin Kelly is growing into a strong athlete and a great teammate. Keep an eye on #3 as he continues to shine on the field and beyond.