Скачать или смотреть Inaugural Cats & Dawgs Kirkland Classic: Why Women’s Sports Inspire Us All

As I reflect on all of the local celebrities and sports icons that played in and supported the inaugural Cats & Dawgs Kirkland Classic — the celebrity softball game and welcome rally for the Junior League Softball World Series — I am reminded why youth sports are about so much more than just winning or losing. They’re about community, legacy, and the power to inspire the next generation — especially young girls dreaming of breaking barriers and making their mark.

Seeing women’s sports at the forefront of this event was electrifying. The energy was contagious, and the message couldn’t have been clearer: women’s sports deserve our full support, visibility, and unwavering commitment. It’s about equity — providing young girls with the same opportunities, resources, and platforms that boys have enjoyed for decades.

This event wasn’t just a showcase of athletic talent between the rival Cougars and Huskies; it was a testament to the importance of representation. When young girls see women dominating on the field, it sends a powerful message: you can do this too. Whether it’s youth softball or professional leagues, every opportunity to highlight female athletes builds their confidence, ignites their passions, and pushes the sport forward.

But support must go beyond moments on the field. It’s about tangible actions — attending women’s games, supporting local girls’ teams, mentoring young athletes, and advocating for equal funding and resources. As a Kirkland real estate broker, I believe strengthening our local community involves supporting initiatives like these that uplift everyone.

Stop by the Everest Park fields this week and support the ten teams from around the world competing for the Little League title. Follow along on social media (@jlsbws & @catsdawgscelebritysoftballgame) and check out the gallery below from the celebrity softball game and welcome rally. The City of Kirkland has been hosting this international female softball competition since 1999, celebrating its 25th anniversary — a remarkable milestone, especially after the pandemic delays.

I am proud to have been part of an event that celebrated not only athletic achievement but also the potential of every girl out there watching, dreaming, and working toward greatness. Supporting women’s sports strengthens our community and inspires the next generation to believe in themselves.

Here’s to a future where every girl can step up, swing for her dreams, and make history.

— Max Rombakh

Special Thank You to the Sponsors
Title Sponsor: Les Schwab Tires | IG: @lesschwabtires
Media Sponsor: Max Rombakh | IG: @maxrombakh
Media Sponsor: JRM Construction | IG: @gojrmconstruction
Media Sponsor: Five Iron Golf Kirkland | IG: @fiveirongolf
Media Sponsor: EvergreenHealth | IG: @EvergreenHealth
Transportation Sponsor: Lee Johnson Auto Family | IG: @leejohnsonautofamily
Supporting Sponsor: Garrett Brown | IG: @gblivingthelife