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celebrate.

PLAY HARD. DREAM BIG. ALWAYS REMEMBER.

PLAYER PROFILE Nomination

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(Limited Spots Available) Scan the QR code and share your athlete’s journey with the Youth Nation family today! 14 11 09 02 05 07 John Stroud 21 15 17 19

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 shor It only takes a few minutes! You'll be asked to provide some basic info, a photo, and a few fun questions to

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If you are interested in learning more about to Youth Nation, how to nominate your athlete to be featured, or you are a local business who wants to advertise, please email YouthNationTeam@gmail.com

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.

Oliver Merritt

Brantlee Hodge

Gabrielle Wood Faith In Sports

Sloane Littleton

Joanna Foster Kane Hostetter

YOUTH NATION FAN EXPERIENCES EXPAND WITH MARSHALL ATHLETICS

Youth Nation is thrilled to announce that following a recent meeting with Marshall Athletics, multiple new Youth Nation Fan Experience events have officially been scheduled for the upcoming year.

These experiences are designed to reward and celebrate the incredible young athletes featured in our magazines while creating unforgettable memories with Marshall University Athletics.

Upcoming Fan Experience Events Include:

Two Marshall Football Experiences

⚽ Men's Soccer

⚽ Women's Soccer Volleyball

Men's Basketball Women's Basketball

One of the upcoming football experiences will feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity that includes:

✅ Locker Room Access

✅ Athletic Facility Tours

✅ The Thunder Walk Experience

✅ Exclusive Field Access

What started as a simple idea to recognize local athletes has quickly grown into something much bigger. Through this partnership, Youth Nation is able to provide opportunities that many young athletes may never otherwise experience, while continuing to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and achievements. We truly believe these events will create lifelong memories for the athletes and families who participate.

The Best Part?

Every athlete featured in Youth Nation receives a FREE ticket to attend these fan experience events. There is never a cost to be featured in Youth Nation, and there is never a cost for featured athletes to participate in these special experiences.

Additional dates, event details, registration information, and exciting announcements will be released soon. Until then...

BE EXCITED. The best is still to come.

YOUTH NATION EVENT

PLAYER PROFILE

Playing for the Cabell Midland Knights Baseball, John Stroud has developed a love for baseball that started all the way back in t-ball. After being signed up by his mom at a young age, the game quickly became more than just a hobby—it became something he truly loved. Now wearing #52 in the outfield, John continues to grow as both a player and teammate every season.

One of John’s favorite parts about the game is the friendships that come with being on a team. Whether it’s practices, road trips, or game days, he enjoys building bonds with teammates and making memories together on and off the field. That sense of teamwork and connection is a big reason why he loves competing for the Knights.

Off the field, John enjoys riding his dirt bike and spending time with family. He says his biggest role model is his stepdad because of the hard work and support he shows every day. Alongside his mom, John’s family has always encouraged him and been there cheering him on throughout his baseball journey.

As John continues developing his skills in the outfield, his passion for the game and appreciation for his teammates and family stand out just as much as his effort on the diamond. With a strong support system behind him and a genuine love for baseball, John is making the most of every opportunity the sport gives him.

PLAYER PROFILE

When Noah Chapman steps onto the soccer field, he's ready to compete, have fun, and make memories with his teammates. A midfielder for the Upward Galaxy, Noah has been playing soccer for two years and continues to grow his skills and confidence every season.

One of Noah's favorite moments from this year was scoring his very first goal — an achievement he'll never forget. Moments like that are what make sports so exciting and rewarding.

For Noah, the best part of being on a team isn't just the games—it's the friendships. He loves having fun with his teammates and building relationships along the way. Whether it's practice or game day, Noah enjoys being part of something bigger than himself.

When he's not playing soccer, Noah stays busy enjoying WWE, building with LEGOs, and spending time outdoors. His favorite athlete is Lionel Messi, and he proudly cheers for Marshall athletics whenever he gets the chance.

Perhaps most importantly, Noah looks up to Jesus as his biggest role model. He shares, "Jesus is the one who forgives us and helps us in hard moments." That perspective helps guide him both on and off the field.

With a passion for the game, a positive attitude, and a love for his teammates, Noah continues to make an impact every time he takes the field. Keep working hard, Noah—the future is bright!

PLAYER PROFILE

For Oliver Merritt, baseball has been all about stepping outside of his comfort zone and trying something new. After starting the sport just one year ago, Oliver quickly discovered how exciting the game could be. Now playing third base for Barboursville Little League, he’s already creating memories that he will never forget.

Oliver says his favorite sports moment this season was getting a hit and running the bases, a moment that made all the hard work and practice feel rewarding. His willingness to jump into a new sport and give it his all has impressed both teammates and family members alike. Supported by his parents, Ethan and Sara, Oliver continues to grow more confident every time he takes the field.

When he’s not playing baseball, Oliver enjoys spending time with family, swimming, traveling, and playing outside. He also cheers for the Pittsburgh Penguins and enjoys staying active year-round. Whether at home or at the ballfield, Oliver brings energy and excitement to everything he does.

His parents shared how proud they are of him for trying something new and embracing the experience with such a positive attitude. As Oliver continues his baseball journey, his enthusiasm, determination, and love for learning new things make him a player to watch both on and off the field.

PLAYER PROFILE

Brantlee Hodge is making the most of his very first basketball season with Barboursville Youth Basketball. After football season ended, several of his friends encouraged him to give basketball a try, and it didn’t take long for Brantlee to enjoy the fast-paced excitement of the game. Now wearing #15 at guard, he’s learning new skills, building confidence, and having fun every time he steps onto the court.

One of Brantlee’s favorite memories from the season was scoring his very first basket, a moment he says he will never forget. While basketball may be new for him, his competitive spirit and teamwork have already stood out. Brantlee says one of the best parts about being on a team is getting to spend more time with friends outside of school while also learning how to work together toward a common goal.

Outside of basketball, Brantlee enjoys football and watching WWE. He also looks up to Stephen Curry and cheers for the Chicago Bulls. Whether he’s playing sports or spending time with family, Brantlee brings enthusiasm and energy into everything he does.

Brantlee says his biggest role models are his mom and dad because of how hard they work every day to make him and his siblings happy. With strong family support, great friendships, and a willingness to try new things, Brantlee’s first basketball season has already been filled with growth, fun, and unforgettable memories.

PLAYER PROFILE

Sloane Littleton has been building her love for softball for the past five years while competing with Hite Saunders, Armour Exterior Piranhas. Inspired by watching her older sister play, Sloane decided to step onto the field herself, and she has enjoyed the game ever since. Now playing second base and wearing #5, she continues to grow as both a player and teammate every season.

One of Sloane’s favorite parts about being on a team is getting to spend time with her friends and simply having fun together. Whether at practice or during games, she enjoys the friendships and memories that come with playing softball. Her positive attitude and love for the game help make every season special.

When she’s not on the softball field, Sloane enjoys hanging out with friends and expressing her creativity through drawing. She credits her parents and older sister as her biggest role models because of the encouragement and support they give her both in sports and in everyday life.

As Sloane continues developing her skills at second base, her passion for softball and appreciation for teamwork stand out. With strong family support and a love for the game that began at a young age, she is making the most of every opportunity to learn, improve, and enjoy the sport she loves.

PLAYER PROFILE

Joanna Foster has spent the last two years growing her love for soccer while competing with Milton Baptist Upward Soccer Galaxy. Wearing #55 as a defender, Joanna enjoys every opportunity to learn, improve, and work alongside her teammates. Her favorite memories from the season come from simply being part of the team and growing together through practices and games.

Known for her kind heart and willingness to help others, Joanna brings positivity and encouragement wherever she goes. Her parents shared that she is always ready to support those around her, a quality that shines both on and off the field. As a defender, Joanna continues building confidence while learning the importance of teamwork and communication in soccer.

Outside of sports, Joanna enjoys dancing and swimming, staying active in a variety of ways. She is also a fan of Travis Kelce and cheers for the Marshall Thundering Herd and the Kansas City Chiefs. Whether on the soccer field or spending time with family and friends, Joanna brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she does.

With a positive attitude, a caring spirit, and a growing passion for soccer, Joanna continues to make an impact on her team. As she develops her skills and gains experience, her dedication to learning and supporting others makes her a valuable teammate and a joy to coach.

PLAYER PROFILE

Gabriella “Gabby” Wood has been playing softball since she was just five years old, inspired by her mom’s love for the game. Now competing for Ona-Milton Little League Airborne Mean Greens, Gabby continues to bring energy and enthusiasm to the field as an infield utility player wearing #21.

One of Gabby’s favorite memories from this season has been getting to play alongside her friends while also being coached by Coach Paige and her mom. The relationships and fun that come with softball are a big part of why she enjoys the sport so much. Whether practicing, competing, or cheering on teammates, Gabby brings a positive attitude to every game.

Outside of softball, Gabby stays busy with basketball and plans to begin playing volleyball as well. She also enjoys art, crafts, games, and spending time with friends. A fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Gabby loves being active and trying new things both on and off the field.

Her parents shared a heartfelt message about how thankful Gabby is for all the support they provide for her sports journey. That appreciation, combined with her love for the game and excitement to compete, makes Gabby a great teammate and a joy to watch. As she continues growing as an athlete, her passion for sports and positive spirit continue to shine.

PLAYER PROFILE

If there's one thing people quickly notice about Kane Hostetter, it's that he loves being active, competing, and spending time with the people around him. Whether he's on a baseball field, football field, basketball court, or simply cheering on family and friends, Kane brings enthusiasm and energy wherever he goes.

Growing up in Barboursville, Kane has developed a passion for sports through the influence of his family, especially his older siblings. In fact, when asked who his favorite athlete is, he didn't name a professional star—he named his big brother Noah. That answer says a lot about the kind of young man Kane is and the importance family plays in his life.

Kane enjoys staying busy year-round. When he's not competing, you'll likely find him riding four-wheelers, attending his sitter's softball games, cheering on his brother at baseball games, or adding to his collection of Pokémon cards. No matter what he's doing, he loves being involved and making memories.

One of Kane's favorite sports memories came this year as he stepped into new challenges and discovered how much he could contribute to his team. Learning new skills, gaining confidence, and realizing he can make a difference has made this season one he'll always remember.

Perhaps one of the biggest influences in Kane's life is his football coach, Corey Watson. Kane admires the way Coach Watson encourages him, challenges him, and pushes him to be the best version of himself. That mentorship has helped shape Kane's attitude toward sports, teamwork, and personal growth.

A fan of Marshall athletics and the Cincinnati Reds, Kane loves competition, but what he enjoys most is being around his teammates and friends. He looks forward to improving every week, learning new things, and having fun along the way.

With a great attitude, a strong work ethic, and a genuine love for sports and people, Kane represents everything youth athletics should be about. Keep working hard, Kane—the future is bright, and we're excited to see where your journey takes you!