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23

Jun, 2022

SA Unicorns Softball Honor Uvalde Victims



Balloon releasing honoring the Uvalde victims by 6u SA Unicorns managed by Carlos Olivares

1st Year 8u SA Unicorns managed by Mike Douglas wearing Uvalde Strong uniforms.

2nd Year 8u SA Unicorns managed by Greg Ramirez wearing Uvalde Decals on their helmets.

For the SA (San Antonio) Unicorns Softball program, the tragedy at Uvalde hit very close to home. Being located in San Antonio, approximately an hour and a half from where the shooting took place, the young Unicorn players were well aware of what was going on in the world around them. The three Unicorn teams, 6u Unicorns managed by Carlos Olivares, first year 8u Unicorns managed by Mike Douglas, and second year 8u Unicorns managed by Greg Ramirez all took part in honoring the fallen in the tragedy.

When first sharing the story with the players, the same reaction was noted by the coaches.

“Amongst the departed were softball players. Sharing the story with the girls made them want to do something special,” shared Coach Olivares.

“Our girls are young but they knew what happened and they understood. They wanted to honor their softball sisters and honor Uvalde for everything that happened,” noted Coach Douglas. “They wanted to show love and support for the ones that lost their lives and even the ones that just had to go through that tragedy.”

Carlos Olivares’ 6u team wore ribbons and did a balloon release for the victims before their first game of all-stars. Mike Douglas’ first year 8u team wore helmet decals and full uniforms for the victims. Greg Ramirez’s second year 8u team put Uvalde decals on their helmets and said a prayer after winning their tournament.

For these girls, softball is played as a game of competition, enjoyment and hanging out with their friends. While honoring the fallen from Uvalde, however, it became about so much more than just another game.

“They were actually excited and happy wearing that and playing for them,” stated Coach Douglas. “Right now they still have the sticker on their helmet.”

“Definitely hit home for me seeing my own daughter in tears as we paid respects,” said Coach Olivares.

Coach Mike Douglas’ team enjoyed a very successful tournament, and rather than celebrating their own personal victories, his players showed maturity far beyond their years, dedicating their win to a greater cause.

“That tournament they won the championship. They were all happy. They said they did it for Uvalde.”

His team is set to participate in another tournament this upcoming weekend where all funds are donated to Uvalde.

The softball community in San Antonio is a close-knit one, and even amidst a terrible tragedy like the one endured at Uvalde, the community always finds a way to grow and heal together, as one family.

“Our softball community here in SA (San Antonio) is like no other, everyone has come together as a family, or should I say one big softball team, for Uvalde,” said Coach Olivares.

“It was real inspiring how everybody just came together and showed their love and support. It was something good to teach these girls,” stated Coach Douglas. “As a softball community we’re all about competing but also, looking out for one another, it’s all about the kiddos”

While the Unicorns have already done their part in honoring the Uvalde community, their love and support doesn’t just stop there.

“Such a horrific tragedy we’ve endured in the city of Uvalde, lives taken from us way too soon,” said Coach Olivares. “Our hearts and prayers continue for those affected by this tragedy.”

PONY President, Abe Key, wants to extend a special message to the SA Unicorns.

“I am so personally proud of the San Antonio Unicorn softball teams for honoring the young lives lost in the recent tragic event in Uvalde,” he stated. “These young players and their families have chosen to honor the memory of those players so that we will not forget their love for sport and softball. We honor the San Antonio Unicorns as they honor those in Uvalde.”

PONY Baseball and Softball International Headquarters stands with the SA Unicorns in honoring the victims of Uvalde.

PONY Baseball and Softball

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Washington, Pennsylvania 15301
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