There's a name on everyone's lips during the summer of 2026 – Kinley Rasmus.

Wearing number 16 for the Southeast Regional champs out of Phenix City, Alabama, Rasmus is representing the girls this summer at the Little League World Series (alongside Carsynn Meyer of Nevada). Adorned with her iconic ribbon every game, "Fear the Bow" has become the Kinley Rasmus way. From record-tying pitching, high IQ plays at shortstop, and one of the hottest bats in the tournament, she has sparked inspiration to young girls and women all over the world.

It's not so common to see girls take over the LLWS like Rasmus has. In fact, only 25 total girls have played in the iconic annual summer baseball tournament. In a sport dominated by boys, girls seem to shine through when they're given the opportunity. Most recently, we remember Mo'ne Davis's iconic 2014 run where she set multiple records that still haven't been beaten. 

One of our favorite girls in sports memories came straight out of Hamilton, Ohio. West Side Little League's 2016 all-star team sent two iconic local female athletes all the way to the Great Lakes Regional semi-finals: Jaycee Taylor and Katelyn Polido. The entire city of Hamilton watched the duo hit homeruns and make clutch plays, but the most inspirational part of their game was how they fit in. They weren't hailed 'the girls of the team' or treated any differently by coaches or teammates, because their game spoke for itself. 

Representation Matters

It may seem like no big deal... a lot of girls play baseball when they're young, right? But the impact reaches far beyond the game. 

It's no secret that boys' and men's sports still receive the bulk of the spotlight. In 2025, women's sports accounted for just 8% of all prime-time sports coverage. While girls' and women's sports are on the rise, the opportunities still aren't the same – and they're not even close. The impact of seeing a girl athlete on TV during one of the most popular sports tournaments of the year is tremendous, not only for fellow athletes, but for girls and women all over the world.

For young athletes, especially girls, representation matters. Seeing athletes like Kinley Rasmus, Coco Gauff, Caitlin Clark, and Simone Biles compete at high levels gives girl more than someone to cheer for – it gives them proof of what's possible. When they see someone like them on the screen, they start to believe, "I can do that, too."

The Impact Goes Beyond the Scoreboard

When girls participate in sports, the impacts go beyond their performance on the field. Being active in sports or consistent physical activity results in:

• Reduced risk of breast cancer (by up to 60%!)
• Reduced risk of developing depression or anxiety
• Stronger academic performance
• Higher self-esteem and healthier body image
• Less time spent on social media
• More comfortable transition into the workforce

Our youth need to be active. They need to learn how to exert their energy into something healthy and beneficial to their young bodies. Sports give structure and confidence that help kids grow through their entire life. When girls are denied these opportunities, they miss out on opportunities that could help shape them on and off the field.

Girls Deserve Opportunities

Kinley Rasmus and the 25 girls of the Little League World Series prove one thing – when girls are given the opportunity, they run with it. When the barriers of opportunities are broken down, girls thrive. When girls succeed, people pay attention.

The goal shouldn't always be to create separate spaces for girls and boys, we should focus on giving them the same opportunities. Let them train together, compete alongside one another, allow them to become teammates and friends, and lift each other up. Let young athletes enjoy the game for what it is – a chance to learn, belong, and love their sport.