The Diva Girls, a youth softball team from Liberty, won its second consecutive A.G. Lott league championship in Brookhaven after going undefeated in games played every Thursday from June to August.
There were seven teams in the league, and athletes on the Diva Girls were 11 to 15 years old. Girls ages 8 and older have played on the Diva Girls team, which was formed eight years ago.
While the Diva Girls have excelled on the field, head coach Alice Fields takes the most pride in their performance in the classroom. Most of the players are enrolled in the Amite County School District.
“All these kids, I personally check their grades,” she said. “They’re honor students. If they don’t achieve in the books, they can’t play. That’s what comes first with me is the education.”
TaNiya Ellis was the No. 1 pitcher in the rotation, while Zakeria LaCour, also a shortstop, saw some action on the mount. Ellis allowed just five runs during the season.
LaCour, Fredreka Smith, Yasmine Faust and De’Ysha Parson were the team’s leading hitters.
LaCour and Faust hit inside-the-park grand slams this past season, while LaCour hit five inside-the-park homers in one game.
Fields said the Diva Girls had power with the bats and speed on the bases, but also credited assistant coaches Lance Boss and Brooks Winding for preparing the athletes on a regular basis.
“My coaches, they’re awesome,” Fields said. “I work four jobs, but my assistant coaches are with them at times I can’t be. There isn’t screaming or hollering, but they listen. We’ve got a great group of girls who listen and it doesn’t go unrewarded.”
The Diva Girls had a banquet and went on trips to places including Blue Bayou Water Park in Baton Rouge.
After winning the championship this year, the team received shirts, but Fields said she would get the athletes rings if they win a third straight title.
Fields is the grandmother of Diva Girls 11-year-old catcher Destiny Parson and De’Ysha Parson.
