We first got to see how good of a writer Aleiah Estevez—a 2030 shortstop with the Firecrackers 2029 – Brashear/Thornburg team—is when she wrote a beautiful tribute to her father Jesse for Father’s Day this year stating “he is my biggest supporter and the reason I believe in myself.”

To read what she and others had to say about their dads, click HERE.

Last month, she and her 14U team based in West Covina, Calif. competed in the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS) held in Indiana.

Aleiah writes:

“We started off a little slow, but our last four games were some of our best.”

“We showed a lot of heart, fought for each other, and never gave up. We finished Top 9 in Tier 2 and were only out away from making the Elite 8.”

Here’s more on what the talented infielder says was an experience she’ll forever remember for being with her “softball sisters” on the field and the loving support she received from her biological family off of it…

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Alliance Nationals was such a great experience for our team, and I was really proud of how I played, too.

I batted .500 and made some good plays at shortstop. Unfortunately, during our final games, I hurt my hand but I kept playing because I wanted to be there for my teammates and help my team finish strong. 

Before we left for Indiana, Firecrackers organizational leader and head coach Tony Rico told us that softball is a great game, but it’s also about playing for each other and putting your teammates first.

I thought about that a lot during this trip.

Some of my favorite memories weren’t just made on the field. They were the laughs, the time we spent together, and just being with my teammates.

I’m really proud of our team, and I’ll always remember this trip and how much I love playing with this group of girls. 

Aside from enjoying every minute with my teammates, family means so much to me.

When we would get back to our Airbnb, I would make sure to get a quick wiffle ball game in with my brothers and cousin Haylei, because I know, regardless, we would be winning these games!

After dinner, my dad would take us for ice cream or hitting/ fieldwork whatever he felt we could work on to fine tune before the next game.

One of best parts of my trip at Nationals was having my brothers attend, especially my big brother Jaeden who, despite his busy baseball college schedule, came to watch me play and, of course, having my favorite person by my side, my Dad. 💕 

It’s funny what they sometimes say: it’s not about the destination, but the journey.

My journey with this group this season really makes me appreciate the value of friendship, trust and working hard for what you love and want. We played for each other and, unfortunately, softball is softball sometimes in that things can go anyway up until the last inning.

After this summer, what I plan to take with me into next season is my drive and love I have for this game. 

— Aleiah Estaves/Line Drive Media contributor

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Firecrackers 2029 – Brashear/Thornburg Game Scores

Saturday, July 25

• Win vs. SFC Lightning (16-0)
• Loss vs. TN Mojo 2011 – Brown (8-1)

Sunday, July 26

• Win vs. Turnin2 14U – Messer (9-8)
• Loss vs. Bombers Gold National 14U (14-3)

Monday, July 27

• Loss vs. Firecrackers RTY Black (9-8)

Tuesday, July 28

• Win vs. Unity 2030 – Fields (7-6)
• Win vs. Corona Angels 14U – Edwards (9-2)

Wednesday, July 29

• Win vs. Firecrackers RTY Black (6-4)
  Loss vs. Newton Rock 14U – Gizzi (3-2)

*****

10 Things I’ll Forever Remember from Alliance Nationals 2026 

• Hitting a home run against Corona Angels Edwards.*
• My bases-clearing triple to help us get the lead which kept us in the Tier Two Bracket. 
• Our defense… I was really impressed with how every single player worked hard for an out.
• Our pitchers— Kenz, Delila, Alyssa and Camilla—who did a really good job in getting us ground balls to field. 
• Our catchers who had some amazing throw downs to help with outs! Good job Bella, Hayden and Em!
• Our corners at third, Ally and Haden.
• I can’t forget our first basemen Haylei! 
• Our outties: Peyton, Kennedy, Bella and Haylee.
• Our coaches who are the best: Coach Brashear & Coach Thornburg.
• And, finally, I can’t forget my middle duo partner, Aubree 💕

* Aleiah’s totals for Nationals included her also hitting three triples in total, two doubles, the home run, three singles, driving in 11 runs, having three sacrifice bunts and going 12-for-12 on defensive chances (no fielding errors).