Team of future AHS Aggies shines in youth competition
By DONNA THORNTON, Editor
Albertville’s 12U girls wrapped up the 2026 season and put a big bow on top – winning the state championship with a stellar 25-0-1 record.
Head coach Anthony Burgess praised the team for the hard work that got them to the title, saying above all their accomplishments on the field, they are “just a great group of kids with great parents.”
Burgess said his research indicates this is the first softball team from Albertville in girls fast-pitch history to claim a state championship.
“We’ve been coaching this group for five years now. They’ve worked hard, played for one another, and have approached every rep and every game with intent,” Burgess said. “Over that time, they’ve built an impressive résumé, competing successfully at the 8U and 10U levels before finishing on the highest of highs as 12U state champions.
“Throughout the season, we talked about how God gave them the ability to play softball, and the best way to glorify Him for that gift was to give their very best at every practice and every game,” he said.
“They did exactly that. Glory to God for everything this team has accomplished.”
Burgess said the girls will now move on to school softball with coach Paul Woodruff, where they will continue to develop fundamentally and grow as players.
“This team will only get better,” he said. “The future is very bright for Albertville softball.”
Team members are Kinlie Dick, Collins Dickerson, Paisley Peek, Ellie Mozley, Brook Early, Ensleigh Alford, Lesly Alvarez, Mialani Gonzales, Ellie Jefferson, Ellie Teat, Harty Jane Smith, Leslie Buckley, Addie Jewel McClendon, Caroline Rains and AC Lewis.
In addition to head coach Burgess, the team was guided by assistant coaches Kadin Dick, Blake Mozley, Richard Peek, Jon Foster, and Matt Dickerson.
The 12-and-under softball team from Albertville won a state championship. Team members are Kinlie Dick, Collins Dickerson, Paisley Peek, Ellie Mozley, Brook Early, Ensleigh Alford, Lesly Alvarez, Mialani Gonzales, Ellie Jefferson, Ellie Teat, Harty Jane Smith, Leslie Buckley, Addie Jewel McClendon, Caroline Rains and AC Lewis. The head coach is Anthony Burgess. Assistants are Kadin Dick, Blake Mozley, Richard Peek, Jon Foster and Matt Dickerson. Anthony Burgess said he thinks it’s the first fast pitch team from Albertville to win a state championship. SPECIAL TO THE LEADER
