SEYMOUR – Softball standout Courtney Barton will be swinging for the fences next month in her quest to score a national title.

Courtney, 13, is one of only eight girls from across the country who earned a spot in the 2025 T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby Championship. The event is set to take place Aug. 21 at Volunteer Stadium in Williamsport, Pa., and will be aired on ESPN at 7 p.m. Aug. 22.

Courtney, who’ll enter eighth grade at Seymour Middle School this fall, said she’s psyched to bring the national home run derby title home.

“I want to bring the trophy home to Seymour to show that even though we’re a small town, we can accomplish some great stuff,” Courtney said.

Courtney will be representing her hometown league, George J. Hummel Little League, who she’s been playing for since she was four years old. Courtney is the first player from Seymour – both in baseball and softball – to make it past the local tournament stage, according to Jackie Liposky, softball commissioner for George J. Hummel.

“Courtney is an easy kid to root for. Not only does she contribute her on-field talent, she’s also a team player, works hard, listens to her coaches, cheers for her teammates and is an all-around good person,” Liposky said.

Liposky said the league is working on organizing a watch party at a restaurant when the event airs on ESPN.

Courtney’s road to the finals began earlier this year, when she knocked out an incredible 41 home runs at the local level of competition. Hitting all those bombs scored Courtney a place in the East Regional competition held July 13 during the MLB All-Star weekend at Coolray Field in Atlanta, Ga.

At the regionals, Courtney hit 17 dingers, earning her a spot in the finals.

Courtney will be competing in the finals in Williamsport against seven other girls from both the East and West Little League regions who hail from Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Nevada, New Mexico and Washington.

Being the first Seymour Little Leaguer to compete on the national stage is also exciting for Courtney.

“I’m really happy about that, because it’s something I can have for my own and can be proud of what I’ve done,” Courtney said. “Plus, I’ve always been really competitive, especially with my siblings, and I love to compete.”

Courtney’s brother Matthew, who’ll be a freshman at Seymour High School this fall, and sister Skylar, who just graduated from SHS and is headed off to Endicott College to play basketball, will be rooting their little sister on from the stands in Williamsport, along with mom and dad, Meredith and Chris Barton, and other relatives.

“We’re so proud of Courtney; she works really hard, she plays three sports and is a member of the National Honor Society,” Meredith Barton said. “It’s an amazing experience for our family to enjoy.”

In addition to playing for George J. Hummel, Courtney also plays for the Seymour Middle School softball team and the Watertown Rapid Softball travel team, where she pitches, plays third base and centerfield. When softball’s not in season, Courtney plays basketball and volleyball.

“I really just like the competition. There’s always a team you want to compete against and beat, especially when you have friends on other teams, it’s fun,” Courtney said.

Courtney said playing for the travel team has helped her hone her hitting skills and get her competition-ready. She also has a pre-competition ritual of eating an energy bar and warming up with her favorite softball before she gets ready to knock one out of the park. She also spins her bat each time she steps up to the plate.

“I just tell myself to take it one step at a time, and always try to get to the second round,” Courtney said.

George J. Hummel Little League president Jim Hoffman said the league couldn’t be more proud.

“The league and I are incredibly proud of Courtney Barton as she heads to the T-Mobile Home Run Derby in Williamsport,” Hoffman said in an email. “A 3-time GJHLL home run champ, fierce hitter, and even better teammate, Courtney represents everything right about youth sports and young athletes. The entire GJHLL family and the Town of Seymour are behind her all the way. Go get it, CB! Keep swinging for the fences!”