PLAYER PROFILE
ONA-MILTON LL BLUE DIAMOND QUEENS – SOFTBALL | # 28
# 28
From Ona, West Virginia, Ava Steele is proving that big things come in small packages. Wearing #28 and playing for the Blue Diamond Queens, Ava is a versatile player who covers “everywhere” on the field, showing she’s always ready to step up wherever the team needs her.
Now in her third year of softball, Ava first joined the sport because it looked fun—and that fun has turned into passion. One of her favorite memories this season? Hitting the ball far, a thrilling moment for any young slugger that shows her growing strength and confidence at the plate.
Even though his journey into baseball began with his parents signing him upfort-ball,thegame quickly became a major part of his life. Now, seven years later, he’s thriving in the sport and enjoying every minute ofit.
Off the field, Adrian loves video games and relaxing with friends—just the right balance after a busy season. For him, the best part of being on a team is “getting to know the other players and seeing how we progress duringtheseason.”
With a humble heart, strong swing, and big league inspiration, Adrian Barnes is a name worth watching inyouthbaseball!
# 99 PLAYER PROFILE
ONA MILTON LITTLE LEAGUE ROCKHOUNDS – BASEBALL | # 99 | SHORT STOP
Meet Kasen Roachell, a rising young athlete from Ona, West Virginia, who’s been swinging a bat and chasing down grounders since the age of three. Now playing shortstop for the Ona Milton Little League RockHounds, Kasen wears #99 and brings hustle, energy, and a love for the game every time he takes the field.
This season, one of Kasen’s favorite memories was playing first base and getting outs, showing off his versatility and sharp instincts as a defender. While shortstop is his primary position, Kasen’s ability to contribute wherever his team needs him makes him a standout on the diamond.
Kasen looks up to baseball legend Babe Ruth and roots fortheCincinnatiReds,buthis true role model is even closer tohome—hisdad.Whetherit’s through coaching, encouragement, or simply being there, his dad has been his biggest supporter and inspiration.
Off the field, Kasen stays active playing basketball and football, always bringing the same passion and drive that makes him a valuable teammate in any sport. When asked what he loves most about being on a team, he doesn’thesitate:“Beingableto playbaseballwithmyfriends.”
With a proud family cheering him on—“We are so proud of you! Looking forward to a great season!”—Kasen Roachellisanametowatchas he continues to grow as both an athlete and a leader. Keep your eyes on #99—his journey isjustgettingstarted.
PLAYER PROFILE
# 13
OWN IT VOLLEYBALL CLUB • CABELL MIDLAND HIGH SCHOOL | #13 | SETTER
From Ona, West Virginia, Brooklynn Chapman is setting the standard—literally. As a talented setter wearing #13 for both Own It Volleyball Club and Cabell Midland High School, Brooklynn plays with a rare mix of skill, leadership, and passion that lights up every court she steps onto.
Brooklynn started playing volleyball four years ago when she decided to try something new—and it didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the game. One of her proudest moments this season? Scoring 18 straight points on serve in a #1 finish, showcasing her composure and confidence under pressure.
Her favorite player is Erik Shoji, and she draws inspiration from his dedication to the game. But when it comes to role models, Brooklynn gives credit to the people who’ve shaped her both on and off the court. “In volleyball, Gracee Bowyer and Emily Clatworthy have been examples I’ve looked up to since I first met them,” she says. “In life, my family—my parents, sister, and grandparents—have mademewhoIamtoday.”
Outside of volleyball, Brooklynn enjoys going to church and spending time with friends and family. She says the best part of being on a team is the sense of togetherness: “Being a big family and constantly adding new people.”
Withaheartforhardworkanda family cheering her on—“Keep dreaming big, we can’t wait to see what your future holds”— Brooklynn Chapman is not just building a career in volleyball, she’sbuildingalegacy.
FAITH IN SPORTS CARRYING THE CROSS
By Nate Thompson
Taking up your cross daily is about committing to something even when it’s tough. Every practice, every drill, every game brings moments of challenge—running sprints when you’re tired, pushing through a tough loss, or staying positive after a mistake. Carrying your “cross” in sports means accepting those challenges with determination and using them to grow.
Following Him reminds us that faith shapes how we play. Sportsmanship, respect for opponents, and gratitude for coaches and teammates show others that we are playing not just for ourselves, but to honor God. When athletes live out their faith in competition, they become leaders who inspire others far beyond the scoreboard.
So the next time you step onto the field or court, remember Luke 9:23. Deny yourself by putting your team first, carry your cross by staying dedicated through challenges, and follow Christ by showing His love in how you play. Winning is great—but living out your faith through sports is a victory that lasts forever.
PLAYER PROFILE
ONA/MILTON PINK PANTHERS – SOFTBALL | # 37 | OUTFIELD
# 37
Meet Kalleigh Pratt, a first-year outfielder with the Ona/Milton Pink Panthers who’s already making a big impression. Wearing #37 and proudly representing her hometown of Ona, West Virginia, Kalleigh stepped onto the field this season inspired by her mom—who once played the sport herself.
Kalleigh’s favorite moment of the season came when she got a hit that brought a teammate home, a play that not only helped her team but also boosted her confidence as a newcomer to the game. She’s quickly learning the sport and loves being part of a team where everyone supports one another. “I love my team and cheering them on,” she says with enthusiasm.
Off the field, Kalleigh enjoys participating in pageants and spending time with her family— especially her mom, who is also her biggest role model. “She never gives up no matter how hard she struggles,” Kalleigh shares. “She shows me to never stopandkeepgoing.”
Her favorite team is Tennessee, and she looks up to a player named Finli. But the true star in her eyes is her mom. As her biggest supporter wrote, “You are my favorite little girl in the whole entire world and I love you so much,babygirl.”
With a heart full of determination and the love of her family behind her, Kalleigh Pratt is off to a strong start and ready to grow into something specialonandoffthefield.
# 2 PLAYER PROFILE
OWN IT VOLLEYBALL 15S | # 2 | SETTER
From Huntington, West Virginia, Kaylin Parsons is leading the charge as a setter for the Own It Volleyball 15s team. Wearing #2, Kaylin brings four years of experience, exceptional court vision, and an inspiring spirit of teamwork to every game she plays.
Her love for volleyball began in a front yard with friends and a little help from her friend’s dad, Sean Wilson. Since then, Kaylin has grown into a confident leader on the court, thriving in moments when her team is fully locked in and playing together. “I don’t have just one favorite moment,” she says. “Playing with my team is my favorite.”
Kaylin looks up to Bergen Reilly, the standout setter for Nebraska—her favorite team—but also finds deep inspiration closer to home. Her cousin, Emma Lemley, a pitcher for the Virginia Tech softball team, has had a big impact on her. “She navigates college athletics with grace, perseverance, and resilience,” Kaylin says. “She sets goals and consistently exceeds them. She’s an amazing athlete and cousin!”
Outside of volleyball, Kaylin enjoys traveling and spending time with friends, building lifelong memories on and off the court. For her, the best part of being on a team is simple but powerful: making new friends and creating lifelong bonds.
Her family couldn’t be prouder —“We love watching you play, but we’re even more proud of the person you are. Keep shining!” With strong support, big dreams, and an even bigger heart, Kaylin Parsons is setting the tone for a bright future in volleyball and beyond.
PLAYER PROFILE
ELEMONATORS WRESTLING / JR KNIGHTS WRESTLING
From Barboursville, West Virginia, Eli Gilkerson has been making a name for himself on the wrestling mat. At just 9 years old, Eli already has three years of wrestling experience under his belt, and his passion for the sport continues to grow with each match. What first drew him to wrestling? Simple—he thought it looked fun. And after years of hard work and dedication, that fun has turned into a true love for the sport.
This season, Eli’s favorite sports momentwas,fittingly,wrestlingitself. Every match gives him the chance to sharpen his skills and rise to the challenge. One of his favorite things aboutbeingonateamishavingolder athletes around to train with— something that’s helped him learn, grow,andstaymotivated.
Outside of wrestling, Eli stays active with football and riding dirtbikes. Whether on the mat, the field, or the trails, he’s always pushing himself to bebetter.
Eli looks up to many people, but especially his coaches—Dallas, Beasley, Dillon, Pauken, Kinker, Nate, Scaggs, David Dennis, and Chris Roberts. He credits their guidance andsupportforhelpinghimgrownot justasanathlete,butineveryareaof life.“Theypushmetobettermyselfin everythingIdo,”hesays.
With inspiration from wrestling standoutBoBassetandadriveallhis own, Eli Gilkerson is a name to watch inthewrestlingworld.
PLAYER PROFILE
BARBOURSVILLE 8–10 ALL-STARS – BASEBALL | #1 | SHORTSTOP AND 2 BASE ND
#1
Hailing from Barboursville, West Virginia, Jaxon Perry is a standout player for the Barboursville 8–10 AllStars. Wearing #1 and holding down the middle infield at shortstop and second base, Jaxon brings six years of experience and a competitive spirit that shows every time he steps onto the field.
His passion for the game started early, playing catch with his dad in the yard. That early spark grew into a love for baseball, and it’s clear Jaxon has made the most of every inning since. One of his favorite moments from this season? Turning a slick double play against two older 12-year-olds—a highlight that shows just how clutch he can be under pressure.
When he’s not fielding grounders or taking swings, Jaxon enjoys playing Xbox, swimming, and hanging out with his friends. It’s no surprise that his favorite part of being on a team is making new friends and enjoying the game together.
Jaxon looks up to Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz, admiring his talent and energy on the field—but with a smile, Jaxon adds, “I want to be as good as him… just not strike out as much.”
Backed by a strong work ethic, a love for the game, and encouragement from his family—“Always give it your best, and no matter what, we are always proud of you!”—
Jaxon Perry is a rising star in youth baseball with big dreams and the drive to chase them.
