Travieso said he is looking forward to showcasing his talented group of players on the international stage.

“I am proud to be asked to take a team to Cuba,” Travieso said. “Since they are a country with little to no resources, not many teams can go to Cuba to play and work with their team. I am looking forward to playing against the Junior National Olympic and Olympic National Teams. My mission is to work together with Cuba Deportes (the Cuban Federation) not only in the field, but off the field as well. I want to see if there is a way for players of Cuban descent, born in the U.S., that can play for Cuba on the international stage outside of Cuba. Other countries and their federations allow U.S. born players if their heritage is confirmed, why not Cuba? Sports can always bridge gap and this is a gap we eventfully should fix. ELLA Sports Foundation helps Latina and girl athletes in many ways, including cultural exchanges where they get to meet and play against peers from other countries as they do in the International Challenge.”

More about the tournament
“This tournament is special because it is a one-on-one,” Travieso continues. “Meaning, we are playing against and together with the top Cuban team. Amistad (Friendship, in English) allows us to be competitive in the first few games and then mix the teams up so Cuban and American players and coaches can share each other’s knowledge and guidance in the sport. This cultural exchange is key to both US and Cuban Born players. The tournament always draws packed audiences.”

Assistant Coaches Jr Marrero and Kim Ensy will complement Travieso’s coaching duties during Copa Amistad. They also assist Travieso during the Triple Crown and International Challenge competitions; Marrero as head coach for the IC Cuba team and Ensy as head coach for the IC South Korea team.

“They LOVE Coach Manny in Cuba and many places around the world.” says Maricarmen Sicard, travel coordinator. “He is a coach that is well respected and knows the game very well. I hear that from Cuba Deportes all the time. Travieso knows the game because his players are well taught, and they are always professional. Manny understands the differences in culture. Although they speak Spanish, all cultures are very different. If it’s Cuba, Dominican Republic, Peru, Puerto Rico, Travieso understands the differences.”

Players Number

Savannah Gatewood 32

Vic Leon 00

Rebecca Eckart 1

Isabella Slape 3

Sophia Marrero 5

Gloria Galindo 8

Kaylee Carrillo 10

Olyvia Rutter 21

Katie Cunane 22

Arden Miller 30

Annika Isaacson 61

About Ella Sports Foundation

ELLA is the Spanish language word for “She.” The acronym stands for Empowering Leadership in Latina Athletes. It was founded by teenager Lilly Travieso and her mother Patty Godoy. Lilly began playing sports at a young age. Over the years, she became passionate about playing softball and dreamed of playing the sport at a top university someday. Lilly embarked on a strenuous mental, physical, and academic journey to achieve her dream. However, along the way, she discovered the many obstacles and disparities faced by Latina athletes culturally and economically.

After an arduous journey facing many obstacles and with the help of her parents, Lilly applied to and was accepted to Cornell University on a sports scholarship. Her own struggles inspired Lilly establish an organization that would help young Latina athletes like herself to have the same opportunities, such as the mentorship and support they need as they embark on their own athletic, academic, and professional journey. With the help of her mother, Patty Godoy, Lilly founded ELLA Sports Foundation, a 501(c) non-profit with a mission to support young Latinas to become leaders of tomorrow through sports and academic excellence.

ELLA, which stands for Empowering Leadership in Latina Athletes, seeks to develop strong Latina leaders that will positively impact their communities while establishing their own legacy. The ELLA network provides young female athletes with opportunities to prepare themselves with college preparatory courses, high quality training, valuable networking, athletic and college mentorship, and exposure to leadership opportunities.

If you’d like to donate to ELLA, visit www.ellasportsfoundation.org.

West Ranch batter Savannah Gatewood (32) swings to hit the ball in the fifth inning of a Foothill league game against Canyon at Canyon High School on Monday, April 27, 2023. The Cowboys tamed the Wildcats and won the game 9-2. Chris Torres/The Signal