For the second year in a row, Aruba will represent the Caribbean at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. But according to team manager Max Arends, that wasn’t always the plan.
“We always knew about the Little League World Series in Williamsport,” Arends said. “Last year was a surprise, and this year we didn’t prepare for Williamsport—we prepared for Curaçao.”
The Caribbean Series, held in Curaçao, is known for its high level of competition. “Those games are tough. The teams are well-prepared, and so are the kids,” he added.
A shift in preparation strategy
Arends doesn’t believe in forming a team just one or two months before a major tournament. “That doesn’t work,” he said. “Instead, we start early. We identify kids with potential, and we watch them—not necessarily to start training them right away, but to see what they’re doing. If they have talent but aren’t actively working, we give them more structure and tasks to help them grow.”
For example, players with pitching potential are sent to train with Wally Vrolijk, while promising hitters work with Randolph Oduber. These specialists help them sharpen their skills and prepare mentally and physically for top-level competition like Williamsport.
Results from extra effort
“The ones who put in the extra work have shown real results,” said Arends. “Some even surprised us. Overall, I’m very happy with what we’ve achieved so far.”
Pitching coach Wally Vrolijk brings years of professional experience to the team. Coach Max brought him in to help develop speed and consistency on the mound. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud of the results we’ve seen,” Vrolijk said.
The players have also grown mentally. “They may joke around with their friends, but within the team, it’s a different atmosphere. They’re more mature and focused on their goal,” Arends noted.
A complete support system
Conditioning, strength, and speed training are overseen by coach Aljereau Sophia. His program helps players generate more power in their swings and improve their strength, especially in their legs and hips—key for overall performance.
The team typically trains three to four times per week, though intensity has recently tapered slightly to avoid overtraining ahead of the tournament.
At Thrive Academy, Randolph Oduber runs three-hour daily sessions with small groups to maximize individual attention. He emphasizes mental preparation, saying, “When the umpire yells ‘play ball,’ these kids will be ready to compete.”
Aaron Ballesteros from Aruba Baseball Academy has nine players from his program on the team. He works closely with the coaching staff on both offensive and defensive technical development, helping fine-tune their infield and outfield skills.
Performance trainer Rachid Curiel focuses on game-time movement. “I observe how they move during live play and then we repeat those movements in the gym,” he explained. “That way, the players know instinctively what to do in the moment.”
Changing the mindset—and the outcome
Team coordinator Ulises Cintra Hernández said the mental shift in the team has been critical. “In the past, when we knew we were playing Curaçao, people assumed we’d lose. That’s no longer the case,” he said. “We’ve changed our mentality, and it’s showing in the results.”
For two consecutive years, Aruba has won the Caribbean title in Curaçao. Now, they head to Williamsport once again—determined to bring the Little League World Series trophy home.
“Aruba is ready,” said Wayen Cuevas of Thrive Academy. “The bats are loose, the energy is high, and the team is prepared to represent our island with pride in Williamsport.”
