From all around the south, Virginia to Florida to Texas, softball teams and their fans are coming to Lincoln Parish at the end of July.
To successfully host the 2021 Dixie Debs World Series at the Ruston Sports Complex July 30-Aug. 3 will require a tremendous team effort – local volunteers, businesses, and organizations uniting to provide support.
The Ruston Dixie Softball Association successfully bid to host the World Series. Co-presidents Jade Cannon and Stephanie Whitten are leading the RDSA board of directors’ efforts to coordinate all phases of the World Series.
“We are thankful to the City of Ruston and the Ruston Sports Complex for their investment in our youth softball league,” said Cannon. “The completion of the Ruston Sports Complex has made it possible to host events of this magnitude and really showcase our town to out-of-state families.”
With 10 visiting teams, each accompanied by their families and fans, there’s clearly going to be significant economic impact for Ruston and the surrounding area.
Organizers’ biggest needs at this point are sponsors and volunteers. There are many volunteer opportunities during the weekend, with a Google Form set up for people to express their interest. Anyone can visit the www.rustonsoftball.com website or click https://forms.gle/iwRXyaHtHXet3n197.
An opening ceremony at Railroad Park on Friday, July 30 is the official first event of the World Series weekend.
The Dixie Debs division involves girls between the ages of 16-18. State championship teams of 12 girls will be visiting from Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, along with a Louisiana state champion team and a host team from the Ruston area.
The local team includes girls from Ruston, Choudrant, Downsville, and Farmerville. Six of these team members were on the first All-Star teams competing in 2016 when RGSA first franchised with the Dixie Softball organization.
