Alderwood Little Leaguer competing in softball home run derby comes from family of accomplished athletes

Lanea Gabriel, a 10-year-old from the renowned Tuiasosopo athletic family, qualified for the 2025 Little League Softball Home Run Derby Championship scheduled for August 21 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She is one of eight competitors in the event, which coincides with the Little League Baseball World Series. Lanea caught the attention of Little League International officials by hitting 30 home runs in a local derby and 22 in the regional round held during MLB All-Star festivities in Atlanta. Her father, Anthony Gabriel, who played linebacker at Stanford, recognized her talent early on and encouraged her involvement in T-ball and softball. Lanea plays third base, first base, and pitcher but finds joy in hitting, stating, "You just have to see the ball and hit it.

" The competition will feature contestants from across the country, each having 90 seconds to hit home runs over a fence set at 130 feet. The top four hitters will advance in the derby. The championship will be televised on ESPN on August 22.