SAN ANTONIO – The Greater Helotes Little League softball team won big as they beat North Carolina in a championship game in Portland on Wednesday.
Less than 24 hours later, the team was greeted with hugs, flowers and "welcome home" signs at the San Antonio International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
"It was so sweet," Olivia Ball said. "I loved it and it was a great surprise."
"It's great to see the city of San Antonio, and the community of Helotes, come out and greet us as World Series champions," Frank Ball, assistant coach of Greater Helotes All Stars, said.
Ariana Galvan said she is still getting used to the idea of being a World Series champion.
"It hasn't really got to us that we won," said Galvan. "We didn't think we would make it this far, but it happened and we're very, very excited."
Tonia Wimberley rushed to the airport Thursday afternoon to greet her daughter, Alana, and said she couldn't be more proud.
"Very proud, very proud mama," Tonia said. "And, I had family from California and Odessa and Junction watching." Alana Wimberley said she is very excited about the win, but is ready for rest.
"I'm going to sleep because I'm really tired," said Alana.
Annika Litterio, the pitcher who led the team to success, had words of advice for young players.
"Don't ever give up on your dreams," Litterio said. "Keep achieving. You can be here one day."
