The 2025 Trailblazer Series recently concluded in Vero Beach, Fla., after an exciting weekend filled with on-field baseball development and off-field mentorship. The event, which took place at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex from April 10-13, featured many newcomers on both the field and in the dugout, with standout performances from all those in attendance.
LLWS standout takes MLB Develops stage
One particular athlete, 14-year-old Stella Weaver, stood out among the rest of the bright crop, showcasing skills and talent worthy of earning her the MLB Develops MVP Award presented by Chevrolet.
This was not only the first Trailblazer Series for Weaver, a pitcher and shortstop in the class of 2029, but it was also her first MLB Develops event, making her achievement all the more impressive.
“I wanted to participate in Trailblazers because all my coaches were telling me to try it out,” Weaver said. “I’ve actually never been to a camp before, so I’m just trying to have as much fun as I can.”
While it is her first MLB Develops event, Weaver is no stranger to playing on big stages. She first gained widespread recognition at the 2023 Little League World Series as a player for the Southeast team -- the only girl who participated in the event that year.
“The Little League World Series was magical. It was crazy,” Weaver said. “All the teams were great, they were so fun … it was electric.”
As she enters high school, Weaver is taking steps to develop her softball career. But she is also keeping an open mind for her future in the sport.
“If I could go to a D-1 college for softball, I would love to do that,” Weaver said. “But if I can get on the U.S. [Women’s National Baseball] Team, that is what I’m doing for the rest of my life.”
Trailblazing newcomer with a captain’s pedigree
Carissa Strange, another newcomer to the Trailblazer Series, also left a big impact on others through her play and attitude. A 12-year-old first baseman from Queen Creek, Ariz., this was also her first MLB Develops event. A former Play Ball Player of the Month winner, she was honored before Game 2 of the 2024 World Series last season.
“It means a lot to me because I see a lot of other girls and I get to learn from them, [and] I get to make new friends,” Strange said about her time at the Trailblazer Series. “Overall, it’s just a cool experience to have. You’ll remember all these memories forever.”
In her hometown, she is a captain on her all-boys baseball team in an area where she is the only female player -- an accomplishment she is proud of.
“It’s really important to me because I see all the boys look up to me and they all respect me,” Strange said. “It’s just really meaningful and I appreciate it.”
Chris Strange, Carissa’s father, attended the Trailblazer Series in support of his daughter. He, like other parents of young players, understands why events like this are so important for these young athletes.
“It’s important for these events because it helps them show that they are worthy of being out here,” Chris Strange said. “They’re not just girls playing baseball, they're baseball players. And it's amazing to have the support from MLB Develops.”
MLB Develops alum embraces coaching
The support for women in baseball and the development of its next generation of players is crucial, as it continues to open a path for young female players that did not always exist. It’s a path that first-time coach and MLB Develops alumni Naya Olacio is familiar with.
“I wanted to give back to a community that gave me so much,” Olacio said. “I had a lot of coaches over the years and they poured themselves into me and my teammates, and I want to give everything that I got from them to the kids now.”
Olacio is an alumni of both the Roberto Clemente Jersey City RBI program and the MLB Develops Elite Development Invitational, the predecessor to the Trailblazer Series. She recently completed her college softball career with the Bloomfield College Bears, and is now focused on building up her coaching career.
Olacio understands what it means to receive an invitation to an event like the Trailblazer Series, and what sort of opportunities can come from showcasing the best of your skills and character.
“I played so hard every time I came here because I wanted to make that impact,” Olacio said. “I wanted to stand out. I wanted to be seen by everyone who was out here to watch our game.”
And even after her time as a player concluded, Olacio continued to stand out in the baseball world, which led to MLB Girls Baseball Ambassador Veronica Alvarez to handpick her as one of the new coaches for the Trailblazer Series.
“When we had an opening for a coach, she was my first thought because I want to include her in these events,” Alvarez said.
“Getting to meet her after following her journey for so long, it's insane. ????I’m like one of the kids," Olacio said. “I feel like a sponge. She’s been doing this at the highest level that you can possibly do it [at], and it’s really amazing to be alongside her.”