Ask any Little Leaguer what their dream is. It’s to reach the Little League World Series. Picture

yourself playing alongside your best friends while the world watches from home! Televised on

ESPN, the Little League World Series is the ultimate stage for young athletes. Recent triumphs,

such as those of the San Ramon Valley Little League (SRVLL) 10-Year-Old All-Star Team,

managed by Round Hill resident Gus Panagotacos, have ignited hope within the community

that the road to Williamsport could very well begin right here in Round Hill.

“For most kids, it’s the pinnacle of their athletic career,” says Gus of the Little League World

Series. “It would be an amazing accomplishment.” This past summer, Gus led his son Michael’s

team to the first state championship for SRVLL in over 20 years. “They went as far as you can go at 10 years old.” They celebrated with pizza parties and a parade down Danville Boulevard with banners and flags. Because of their success, they were featured in news articles, met the

Oakland A’s players, and were recognized on the big screen at a San Francisco Giants game.

“If we can repeat that same success when they are 12 years old, we’ll be heading to

Williamsport for the Little League World Series,” Gus says eagerly.

Gus himself has made his mark in baseball, playing collegiate baseball at Cal and subsequently for the Greek National Baseball Team, which included playing in several European Baseball Championships, the Olympics in Athens, and the World Cup of Baseball in Panama.

“The team consists of a great group of kids and families,” notes Gus. “Most of the team has

been playing together for years, forging connections and bonding over baseball.” In addition to

Michael, several others from the team hail from the Round Hill community.

Gus, and his wife, Natalie, are raising a little sports team of their own. In addition to Michael

(11), they have Leo (9) and Marcus (6). All love sports, playing flag football, CYO basketball,

Mustang soccer, and are on the swim team for Round Hill. They also participate in golf and

tennis activities at the Club, and ski, when their schedule permits.

Even though they excel in many sports, they recognize Gus’ unique connection to baseball. “We know it’s Dad’s favorite sport,” shares Michael. Just as Gus’ father coached youth baseball for many years, now he is encouraged to share the love of baseball with the next generation.

During the regular season this spring with SRVLL, Gus will have the opportunity to coach both

Michael and Leo together on the same team in the Majors division. Marcus will be playing at

the Single A level.

“I am exceptionally proud of my boys,” says Gus. “They are in the very early stages of their

athletic careers and who knows if any of them will be able to excel at higher levels, but they are

developing skill sets that will prove valuable for them throughout their lives.

Gus notes the life lessons from sports – teamwork, accountability, perseverance and hard work.

“It’s about learning lessons for life that transcend sports.”

Marcus, Michael, and Leo have already learned leaps and bounds. Although only a

kindergartener, Marcus looks up to his big brothers and wants to follow in their footsteps. Leo

excelled on his own 9-year-old All-Star Team last summer, eager to be the best he can be and

lead his team to share in the same success as his older brother’s team. As for Michael, he can’t

wait to see what the future holds, with Williamsport on his mind.

The boys’ dedication to sports wouldn’t be possible without Natalie. Gus is quick to credit her

preparation and organization for all the sports the boys are involved in. “She does it all,” he

says.

As the SRVLL season kicks off, excitement fills the air in Round Hill! The community is rallying

behind young stars Michael, Leo, Marcus, and their teammates, ready to cheer them on. The

dream of reaching Williamsport is within their grasp—and it all starts right here in Round Hill.

Play ball!