Rec Sports
Ruston to host Softball Dixie World Series in July
by Hanna Singh Get ready to play ball in Ruston! The Softball Dixie World Series will be coming to Ruston this summer for their 50th Anniversary. Set for July 25–30, this milestone event will welcome between 80 to 90 teams from 10 Southern states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, […]

by Hanna Singh
Get ready to play ball in Ruston! The Softball Dixie World Series will be coming to Ruston this summer for their 50th Anniversary.
Set for July 25–30, this milestone event will welcome between 80 to 90 teams from 10 Southern states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Teams will play in tournament games at the Ruston Sports Complex, with Opening Ceremonies scheduled for Friday, July 25 at the Thomas Assembly Center at Louisiana Tech University.
Beginning in 1975, the Dixie Softball World Series was founded as part of the larger Dixie Youth Sports organization, which was created to provide community-based baseball and softball programs in the southern United States. This historic tournament will feature all divisions of Dixie Softball, bringing in players from ages 5 to 19.
Dixie Softball’s District 6 Director, Jade Cannon shared her excitement about the upcoming event and what it means for the community.
“Ruston Dixie hosted the Dixie Debs World Series in 2021. The National Directors loved their experience in Ruston. They were very impressed by the Ruston Sports Complex and its ability to host a tournament the size of a 50th World Series,” Cannon said. “That, added with Ruston’s hospitality, prompted them to ask us to bid for the 2025 World Series.
“We were awarded the bid in 2021. As a league, we are very excited for this experience. The Ruston Dixie SweeTees (ages 5-6) have earned their trip to the World Series for the past three years. This year we will have our local girls competing in every age division, and we’re happy they’re going to get this experience.”
Ruston Dixie president Stephanie Whitten emphasized how event will require a team effort, and how community will play an important role in its success.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host an event of this size and that people can experience the town we love so much. The Ruston Dixie Board of Directors began the groundwork for hosting this tournament as soon as we were awarded the bid. I have been very impressed with the City of Ruston, the Ruston Sports Complex, and the CVB with their help towards hosting the tournament,” Whitten said. “We definitely will also need the help of the community as well. There are opportunities for sponsorships, advertisements, and to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities include set ups, serving, host families, and even help running games. We have a QR code for signups and would love your help.”
With thousands of players, coaches, families and fans expected to arrive in Ruston, there will be a significant economic and cultural impact on the town. Local businesses, restaurants and hotels can expect many visitors, all getting a firsthand taste of Ruston’s charm and culture.
Cannon highlighted how both the softball players as well as the town of Ruston will benefit from the tournament coming to town.
“We are looking forward to seeing our hometown kids compete at the highest level of Dixie Softball. They are working hard to prepare as they have all season long. I will be very rewarding to see them play at the World Series, especially the ones that have played with us for many years,” Cannon said. “There is no better feeling than to see their friends, family and community filling the stands in support. The people of Ruston can look forward to a busy weekend of good softball, and people from all over the country visiting our stores, restaurants and hotels.”
For more information about volunteering or sponsoring the event, visit the Ruston Dixie Softball Facebook page or scan the official QR code posted online.