West Central Reporter

Senator Neil Anderson highlighted the achievements of the Ridgewood Lady Spartans in a Facebook post dated October 18. He said, "Congratulations to the Ridgewood Lady Spartans Softball Team who made history this season on their first state championship title."

"Congratulations to the Ridgewood Lady Spartans Softball Team who made history this season on their first state championship title," said Anderson, State Senator, according to Facebook. "During last night's Henry County Board Meeting, my office was able to present the team and each of their players, Official Senate Certificates for their accomplishment. Congratulations team!"

According to a post on October 18 by the Ridgewood Lady Spartans Softball program on their Facebook page, they expressed gratitude for the recognition from Senator Anderson. The team wrote about their celebration: "The ultimate prize is celebrating this group! Tonight the team was recognized in front of the Henry County Board and Cambridge Board of Education! Special Seal of the Senate letters were sent by Senator Neil Anderson’s office and by Susan Mendoza, Illinois State Comptroller. What special recognitions!"

On June 2, as reported by WQAD, the Ridgewood Spartans softball team secured a 3-1 victory over Illini Bluffs to win the Class 1A championship. This achievement marked a historic first for both the team and Ridgewood sports overall. Renae Leander, who has been coaching the Spartans since 2015, told WQAD in June about her long-term vision for success: "To put on your vision board 12 years ago to take a small town that never had the softball culture and actually accomplish it...so much kudos to the girls and the coaches that I have in this program. I just hope they never forget this moment for the rest of their lives," said Leander.

According to KWQC 6, Ridgewood Softball began in 2008 with Leander taking over as coach in 2014. She noted that developing a middle school program in 2018 significantly contributed to fostering success within the team. "Slowly but surely it started coming along and then these girls got in seventh grade and the IESA had some travel ball experience and we blended that with our town ball kids and it really just fostered winning from there so I think that is obviously going to lead to more success but I do think the teams I’ve had before this have really allowed these girls to see what it takes and it’s just climbed the ladder since then," she said.

Senator Neil Anderson has represented Illinois' 47th District since 2015. According to his official biography, he grew up in the Quad City area, worked in his family business installing floors, joined the University of Nebraska football team as a walk-on player, earned his paramedic license, and currently serves at Moline Fire Department.