HENDERSON (KTNV) — Paseo Verde Little League may be more than 2,000 miles from home, but some of the biggest names in Las Vegas sports are making sure the Henderson team feels the support in Williamsport.
From Raiders quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza to Aces star A’ja Wilson, the Athletics, Las Vegas Aviators and UNLV programs, Southern Nevada’s sports community has rallied around Paseo Verde during its Little League World Series run.
WATCH | Vegas sports stars rally behind Paseo Verde during Little League World Series run
Cousins offered the young players a simple message.
“Whatever happens, just make sure you have fun and enjoy doing it with your buddies,” Cousins said.
The support comes as Paseo Verde represents Nevada and the Mountain Region in Williamsport. The team opened tournament play Friday with a dramatic 6-5 walk-off victory over Hamilton, Ohio.
Wilson and the Aces also joined the growing list of supporters — with the four-time WNBA MVP saving a special message for Carsynn Meyer, the only girl on Paseo Verde’s roster.
“We just wanna give a huge shoutout to Nevada State Little League champs for doing your big one,” Wilson said. “Guys, keep working hard, and Carsynn, we see you, girl.”
At UNLV, Paseo Verde’s run has become a family affair.
Theo Bingham, a member of the Paseo Verde team, is the son of UNLV women’s soccer coach Kacey Bingham. Her Rebels sent their own video wishing Theo and his teammates luck in Williamsport.
The support stretches across the UNLV campus.
“The Hustlin’ Rebels are extremely proud of you guys, and we can’t wait to watch you guys on national TV in Williamsport,” UNLV baseball coach Nick Garitano said. “Go out there and create the memories of a lifetime and enjoy this process, as it’s something you’ll never forget.”
The Athletics and Aviators have also sent messages, including several from Aviators players and broadcaster Russ Langer.
“Nevada needs you. Nevada loves you. Go get ’em,” Langer said.
For a group of Little Leaguers playing on youth baseball’s biggest stage, the messages have come from NFL quarterbacks and WNBA superstars to professional baseball players they may dream of becoming one day.
And Southern Nevada will have another chance to cheer them on Sunday.
Paseo Verde faces Tacoma, Washington, at 6 a.m. Pacific in its second Little League World Series game.
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