Summerlin South’s LLWS run honored with parade: ‘It’s just special’ — PHOTOS
The jersey-clad idols riding a float through Downtown Summerlin may as well have been major leaguers to Bodhi and Kai Roach.
Summerlin South’s run to the U.S. championship in the Little League World Series captivated the two young aspiring baseball players to the point they had to be part of celebrating the team’s accomplishment during a parade Wednesday that ran from Foot Locker to Lululemon.
“It just brings everybody together,” said Rene Roach, the mother of Bodhi, 9, and Kai, 7. “There’s so much baseball talent that comes from Vegas and the fact these kids made it so far just inspires so many young players. They deserve every bit of celebration and honor that we can give them.”
One particular player meant a bit more to Bodhi Roach than the others.
He wants to be a catcher just like Dustin Greusel, one of 12 players on Summerlin South’s team. All 12 had their own fans along the parade route, which was packed with people displaying signs to honor the young heroes. An estimated attendance figure was not provided.
“It shows we’re inspiring little kids to maybe even come to Summerlin South, and one day maybe they can play in the Little League World Series, too,” pitcher Luke D’Ambrosio said. “It might even make some kids try baseball out and just have fun.”
Summerlin South went 5-2 in the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It became the first Nevada team to reach the international championship game, but lost 7-0 to Chinese Taipei on Sunday.
The parade was emceed by Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter and featured participation from the Raiders, Golden Knights, Athletics, Aviators, Las Vegas Grand Prix and Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Marching bands from Bishop Gorman, Faith Lutheran and Palo Verde high schools were also included.
It was the culmination of a magical summer.
Champs are here. pic.twitter.com/3Uht0HpMTs
— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) August 28, 2025
None of the players were enjoying their time on the float more than coach TJ Fechser, who joyfully danced to the song “All I Do Is Win.”
Fechser was more reflective on his walk over to Las Vegas Ballpark, where he and his team were honored at the Aviators game against the Iowa Cubs.
“This was a great moment,” he said. “I’m so happy for these kids because they worked so incredibly hard for this and the support from the community is just outstanding to see.”
It was also great to see old friends who turned out for the occasion. A friend Fechser has known since first grade ran up for a joyous hug while he was being interviewed.
“It was so amazing to see faces I’ve known my whole life like this one,” Fechser said, fighting back several different emotions. “It’s just special.”
Stomper and some other local mascots getting hyped for the Summerlin South Little League parade #RJNow pic.twitter.com/rWnKeS3f8t
— Adam Hill (@AdamHillLVRJ) August 28, 2025
Both sides of the plate
Tony D’Ambrosio went through all the emotions.
The Summerlin South assistant coach had to handle high-pressure moments during the team’s run while also looking out for his son.
Luke D’Ambrosio got the start Sunday after ace Garrett Gallegos pitched five innings and homered in the 8-2 win against Connecticut in the U.S. title game. Cache Malan and Ethan Robertson also couldn’t pitch due to rest rules.
Luke D’Ambrosio, 11, is one of the younger players on the team. He held his own, keeping it a 2-0 game before Chinese Taipei scored five runs in the fifth inning.
“I was proud of him,” Tony D’Ambrosio said. “It’s a tricky slope to coach your kid and be a parent. But you try to keep it as equal a playing field as possible.”
Fechser went through similar emotions as a coach and parent with his son Brooks on the team. TJ Fechser knew Summerlin South could win, but it took more than talent for the team to keep advancing.
“I knew we’d be able to hit,” said Fechser, whose belief grew after his team won the state tournament. “We had some excellent defensive players at key positions that would always do their jobs and we had strong, competitive pitching. So you put that together and then you just have to hope everyone buys into the team mindset. Then you see what happens. This team really did that and we just kept growing as a team.”
Tony D’Ambrosio said it took resilience for the kids to be away from home as long as they were and to have the mental toughness to be consistent for such a long stretch.
The reward was worth it.
“They were gone from their families for five, six weeks, which is a lot to ask for young kids,” D’Ambrosio said. “But they bought into the system, dedicated themselves … and were ready to play.”
getting ready to photograph the summerlin south championship parade and seeing a lot of these on the route already hehe pic.twitter.com/DELCRnvZ07
— Madeline Carter (@fleetwood_mads) August 27, 2025
Job well done
Summerlin South was honored during the middle of the third inning of the Aviators games, then the parents and players celebrated in a Las Vegas Ballpark suite.
Between speeches and gift exchanges, Luke D’Ambrosio reflected on his favorite part of the day.
“My favorite part was when they announced all of our names,” he said. “It was just so cool to wave to our awesome fans who were cheering us on and just knowing they always had our back.”
Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X. Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.