The Diamond Dolls baseball program was founded in 2018 by Lynne Underwood. Participants are in all grades and play an important role in supporting the school’s baseball program. Though they don’t play on the field, their hard work behind the scenes helps make each game experience better for everyone.
“We help run the concessions, music, and scoreboard so that parents can watch their kids [play baseball] and don’t have to worry about missing the action,” Gracie Kay Ivester (11) said.
The parent leader of Diamond Dolls, and mom of senior player Mason Gazaway, Laurie Gazaway, explained that the Diamond Dolls work all year to make sure that the season is the best it can be. In addition to helping at the field in the spring, the girls participate in fall fundraisers. A fan favorite are Marietta pumpkins. The girls handpaint a blue M on pumpkins that have been spray painted white.
“My favorite time with the Diamond Dolls was hosting the meet and greet, with punpkin painting at our home in the fall,” Mrs. Gazaway said. “It’s a chance to establish expectations for the year. It’s been a pleasure working with these young ladies and I will miss them next year.”
This year the baseball team has hosted elementary school nights. Each school comes to join the baseball fun. Some younger students sing the national anthem, and they all have a chance to have face painting with the Diamond Dolls.
“Diamond Dolls gives girls a way to be involved with the baseball program even though we can’t be in the game. It’s so special to help out in any way we can, and it’s so much fun to be a part of the gameday experience,” Maddie Johnson (12) said.
Their efforts create a lively and memorable atmosphere, allowing players to stay focused while fans enjoy a seamless, exciting experience.
“It’s amazing to see how much of an impact we can have, even though we aren’t on the field. We help create a vibe that makes the games feel more exciting and keeps everyone involved, no matter their role,” Lauren Grundmeyer (10) said.
The Diamond Dolls build lasting friendships, creating a strong sense of community that extends beyond just baseball. Players and fans alike appreciate all they do to keep the game-day experience fun and seamless. Through their efforts, they help ensure that the baseball program remains not just a team, but a family.
The last elementary night is April 15 for Lockheed Elementary, and games over the break are on April 8 and 9.
A newer program, Lax Ladies, began just two years ago and is led by seniors Allie Tudor, Ali Patrick, and Libby Holle. This program has been an opportunity for students to get engaged with the lacrosse program and earn community service hours. There are around 50 students that are a part of Lax ladies, including students from all grades, creating a very diverse group.
“I like working with the freshmen, juniors, and seniors because it allows me to become closer with girls in other grades and get to know more of the girls, especially the freshman since I’ll be with them for the next couple years,” Miller Cox (10) said.
There have been multiple lacrosse boys and girls games that the participants have gotten the chance to work at and help. They can volunteer concessions, manage the scoreboard, or work the table on the field. The leaders said that slots filled up very quickly for those positions, making it easier since they didn’t have to search and ask for extra volunteers.
“Lax ladies has been great, I have really enjoyed helping out, and I will definitely be doing it next year,” Mia Sherren (9), a first year participant, said.
One of the most popular positions to work is the concessions stand.
“My favorite thing to do is to work concessions because you get to hang out with friends and it isn’t as scary as working the scoreboard or working the table for the field,” Emma Grace Tillis (10) said.
Jessica Turner, mom of lacrosse player Jackson Turner (11) and Amber Harris, mom of player Hadley Harris (10) are two of the parent leaders. They appreciate the extra helpers.
“We are so grateful for the lax ladies because prior to this club starting, parents volunteered for all shifts. A lot of parents would miss watching their kid play,” Turner said. “It’s also introduced the sport of lacrosse tobunch of other girls who maybe didn’t grow up playing, since it’s a little bit newer in Georgia.”
Joining Lax Ladies is a pathway to building new friendships and allows the students to share the same interest in supporting the team. Since so many students are involved, whether they are working together at the concession stand, keeping score, or helping out on the field, there are plenty of chances to engage in conversations and meet new people. Everyone is able to connect and have fun on the field and off the field.
Next home games are after the break on April 14.