News Summary
Greenville, N.C. is abuzz as the ECU Pirates prepare for their softball season after being ranked fourth in the American Athletic Conference. Meanwhile, the Little League Softball World Series returns, promising exciting games and a projected economic impact of $1.3 million for the area. Local teams, including Pitt County’s girls’ softball team, are set to make their mark. With the community coming together to celebrate youth sports, Greenville is gearing up for an unforgettable summer of softball.
Exciting Times for Greenville: Pirates Softball and Little League World Series Take Center Stage
Greenville, N.C. is buzzing with anticipation as the East Carolina University (ECU) Pirates gear up for another thrilling softball season. Recently, the American Athletic Conference unveiled its 2025 Preseason Softball Poll, revealing that the Pirates have been predicted to finish fourth among ten teams. This announcement comes hot on the heels of the Pirates’ successful run last season, where they boasted an impressive record of 38 wins and 19 losses.
Aiming for the Top
This year, fans will be keeping a close eye on key offensive stars like Morgan Johnson and Emma Jackson, who are expected to make significant contributions to ECU’s campaign. The team’s head coach, Shane Winkler, who is entering his fourth year at the helm, is eager to steer the Pirates toward elite status. With a tough schedule lined up, he believes this could be a watershed year for the program.
Looking ahead, it appears Wichita State has taken the top spot in the poll as the preseason favorite to win the conference, closely followed by Florida Atlantic and North Texas in second and third places, respectively. It’s shaping up to be a competitive season, and ECU is ready to challenge for higher ranks.
Little League Softball World Series Returns
Catching national attention, the championship game on August 11 at 3 PM will be broadcast live on ABC, ensuring that fans can watch every thrilling moment as teams compete for the ultimate prize. Starting from August 4, all the tournament games will be available for viewing on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+, making it easier than ever for fans to catch their favorite teams in action.
Economic Boost for Greenville
Pitt County Takes the Field
A Community Celebration
The countdown is on, and whether you’re rooting for the Pirates or catching the Little League games, it’s going to be an incredible time in Greenville, N.C.!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ESPN Press Room
- WITN
- WNCT
- Wikipedia: Little League Softball World Series
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
