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Triple J Pony League Kicks Off on Guam Sports Complex

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 3:06 GMT by Pacific Daily News

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The New Triple J Pony Middle‑School Girls Softball League Kicks Off on November 1

A fresh wave of excitement is sweeping through Guam’s schools this fall as the newly‑organized Triple J Pony Middle‑School Girls Softball League is set to begin play on November 1. The league, announced in a feature on the Guam Post‑Dispatch, promises to give middle‑school athletes a chance to hone their skills, build camaraderie, and showcase their love of the game in a structured, community‑oriented setting.

Why the League Matters

Guam’s youth sports landscape has long been dominated by football, basketball, and baseball. Softball, while popular among girls, has lacked a dedicated middle‑school league that offers a consistent schedule, quality coaching, and a clear path to senior‑school competition. The Triple J Pony League was created in response to that gap, with the aim of encouraging more girls to stay active, learn teamwork, and develop confidence both on and off the field.

According to league coordinator Maria T. Rivera—a former softball player and current physical‑education teacher at Marianas High School—the initiative “brings structure to a sport that many kids love but rarely get a chance to play in a formal setting.” Rivera added that the league is “intentionally inclusive,” allowing girls from all districts to join, regardless of prior experience.

League Structure and Participation

The inaugural season will feature 12 teams, each representing a different middle school across the island: Guam International School, American High School, Marianas High School, Chamorro High School, Northern Guam Elementary, Southern Guam Elementary, West Coast High School, East Coast High School, Central Guam High School, Southwest Guam High School, Northeast Guam High School, and Central Pacific High School. Coaches for each team are volunteer parents or teachers, with a minimum of two years’ experience in coaching or sports management required.

Play will be held at the Guam Sports Complex, a venue that has hosted numerous island tournaments in the past. The complex offers a full‑size field, batting cages, and a clubhouse for teams to practice and gather. Games are scheduled Monday through Thursday evenings, with a practice session on Fridays for teams that have qualifying scores.

Rules, Safety, and Equipment

In line with the Guam Softball Association guidelines, the league has adopted a modified set of rules to keep play safe and fun for younger athletes. Notably:

• Pitching distance is set at 30 feet, a reduction from the standard 45 feet used in high school play.
• Bats must be made of polyurethane or light‑weight aluminum; no wooden bats are permitted.
• All participants are required to wear baseball helmets, mouthguards, and protective shin guards.
• A mandatory warm‑up period of at least 15 minutes precedes every game.

Safety remains a top priority, with coaches trained in CPR and first‑aid, and a designated sports medicine officer on standby for each game. The league will also run a brief health education session before the first season, covering topics like proper hydration, nutrition, and injury prevention.

Season Timeline and Key Dates

• November 1 – Season opener at the Guam Sports Complex. The opening ceremony will feature a speech by Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, who has championed youth sports throughout her tenure.
• November 3 – All‑Island Softball Clinic hosted by the Guam Softball Association, open to all participating teams to improve pitching, hitting, and defensive skills.
• November 10 – Mid‑season Championship Series for top four teams.
• December 5 – End‑of‑season awards banquet hosted at the Marianas Convention Center. Awards will include Most Valuable Player, Best Pitcher, and Coaching Excellence.

The schedule, detailed by the league’s official website (link provided in the original article), is easily downloadable for parents and coaches who wish to track game times and standings.

Community Engagement and Support

The league’s creation has sparked enthusiasm from local businesses and community groups. Triple J Radio (hence the league’s nickname) has pledged to provide live commentary for each game, broadcasting highlights and interviews during weekend slots. In addition, Pony Enterprises, a local sporting goods store, has supplied the league with free gloves and uniforms for all teams.

Moreover, the league has partnered with Guam’s Department of Education to integrate a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) component into the program. By tracking each team’s scores, attendance, and health metrics, coaches will use real‑time data to teach basic statistics and data analysis—a unique approach that blends athletics with academics.

Voices from the Field

Coach Liam Chen of the Guam International School, who has been coaching girls since 2015, expressed excitement about the new league. “This is a chance for our girls to play the game they love on a platform that’s both competitive and supportive,” he said. “The structured schedule and the emphasis on safety give us, as parents and coaches, the peace of mind we need.”

Meanwhile, a 14‑year‑old sophomore from Marianas High, Jasmine K. Wong, shared her thoughts. “I’ve always wanted to play in a league, but it was never organized. Now, we can practice, learn from each other, and have a fair chance to compete,” she told the Post‑Dispatch. “I can’t wait to show what we’ve trained for.”

What’s Next?

As the league approaches its launch, the Guam Post‑Dispatch encourages families and supporters to keep an eye on the official league page, which offers updates on game results, player statistics, and upcoming events. A link to the league’s official Facebook page is also provided, ensuring that fans can stay connected in real time.

The Triple J Pony Middle‑School Girls Softball League represents more than just a new sports season; it’s a testament to Guam’s commitment to nurturing youth talent, fostering community spirit, and building healthy habits for the next generation. With robust support from local businesses, the government, and the sporting community, the league’s inaugural season is poised to set a high standard for youth softball on the island.

Whether you’re a seasoned softball fan, a parent looking for extracurricular activities for your child, or simply curious about how sports can bring communities together, the launch of the Triple J Pony League is an event worth watching. As the games begin on November 1, all eyes will be on the Guam Sports Complex, ready to witness the rise of a new generation of softball stars.