Soundview continues highlighting its strong district

Soundview Little League had big goals entering this summer, but just capturing the District 10 championship stood out early. Because, odds are if one wins that crown, Washington parents might want to start booking hotel rooms for long tournament stays.

Soundview from Tacoma, has become District 10's fourth Little League World Series participant over the last five years. It also is the third straight, joining South Hill and Bonney Lake/Sumner. The latter also played at the 2022 Series. And Soundview continued highlighting its district, winning its first two Series games.

"Four Washington teams from District 10, so that's pretty impressive right there," Soundview manager Kyle Yarbrough said. "We talk a lot about at that district level, how hard it is. There's a number of good teams and that speaks to how good the baseball in our little area is, when you have that many good years and good teams."

In fact, three of the four entrants in this year's district tournament have played at the Series over the last 16 years, with Auburn doing so at the 2010 Series and finishing one win shy of playing for the U.S. title. This season, it was not just that Soundview won that district title, but how it did so which really signaled how far it might go.

Soundview outscored four teams, 42-2. It also produced three shutouts, twice blanking South Hill. South Williamsport was still a long way off, but steamrolling through that demanding district certainly provided a big boost.

"They were really confident and knew they were knocking the door from last year," Soundview Little League president Dave Mihulka said. "Bonney Lake and South Hill are two strong baseball communities. It was good to see Tacoma have success with how strong those South Hill and Bonney Lake teams have been. It was good to see the tide turn."

The tide, though, was losing some momentum early in states when Gig Harbor defeated Sound View, 3-0. Now, not only did Soundview have to win four games in five days, but also get through Richland, the team which defeated it for the 11U state title. It must also find a way past Gig Harbor.

But that is right where the District 10 field sharpening Soundview's iron paid big dividends. A battle-tested team also was a mighty resilient one and outscored those four opponents, 30-2. The 5-2 semifinal win against Richland was particularly sweet, and the 5-0 championship victory against Gig Harbor the cherry on top.

"It was good to get their (Richland's) number this year. That was one we had circled on the calendar," Yarbrough said. "We knew what we were up against and that kind of guided our thinking over the last year of what we have to be able to do to compete a little more closely than last year. It worked out for us."

It did so at regions, too. And it looked mighty similar to states.

Soundview rallied from a late two-run deficit against Oregon, winning its opener, 3-2 before losing its second game against Idaho, 9-3. Unfazed, Soundview relied on its previous two tournament experiences and thundered back, outscoring Oregon and Idaho, 17-7, punching its Series ticket. Sure, Soundview would have preferred a smoother road, but even a bumpier one led to its ultimate destination.

It also drove home how this team is both tough and talented. Six times, the Northwest champions faced elimination and six times they prevailed in impressive fashion.

"It's good to see them not get down and hang in there. After we were down in that game against Oregon, they kept their heads up and stayed focused and got the job done," Mihulka said. "That's one of the biggest factors with kids in youth sports; staying mentally strong and focusing on the task at hand."

"They like the pressure. I don't know that the coaches do, but these guys don't seem to be fazed," Yarbrough said. "They have supreme confidence in their ability and all the work they've put into this."

That work really took off starting in October with many players working out at indoor facilities. It sped up this summer and has now produced historic results. Soundview not only captured its first state championship since 1970, but reached the Series for a first time.

It has been all hands on deck, too. A deep pitching staff, including three left-handers, helped Soundview navigate the long road back at states and regionals. An equally balanced lineup produced at every tournament. Kasen Workman ignited things from the top and No. 13 hitter Artie Hinzman ignited the game-winning rally against Oregon with a lead-off triple.

Back home, the Tacoma team views this team as heroes. All 13 have taken turns wearing the cape.

"The announcers often talk about having 12 and getting back to the top, but we brought 13, so we could have depth. We can take any of the kids in our lineup and move them around to multiple places in the lineup and have supreme confidence they will get the job done." Yarbrough said. "We tell the kids not to listen to anyone about being the 13-hitter. That's just how we are building the lineup and everyone is dangerous and, there, Artie was a spark for sure."

Soundview has turned the sparks which first formed against the rugged District 10 competition into a spectacular fireworks show. When Soundview returns home, it will the biggest show in town. This team has continued District 10's dominance and left its own indelible mark.

Still, after the celebration ends the memories created; the lessons learned during this run will carry on. That might be the biggest cause for celebration.

"Our overall goal and Kyle's goal is not developing a Little League to win a world championship, but developing kids and instilling in them a love for the game," Mihulka said. "Their attitudes and work and sportsmanship are skills that will carry on down the road in their lives. They will carry these life skills and teamwork skills and all kinds of things which will help them later in their lives and help them have successful careers whatever path they choose."