NEW YORK, NY — ABC World News Tonight anchor David Muir has once again touched the hearts of millions with a moving broadcast that spotlighted the resilience and bravery of a Texas girls softball team that played through grief, loss, and devastation — and inspired a nation in the process.

During Monday night’s broadcast, Muir featured the Texas Voodoo, a youth softball team from Kerrville, Texas, whose community was recently ravaged by deadly flash floods. Just days after losing homes, schools, and loved ones, the girls traveled to compete in a national tournament, refusing to let tragedy silence their spirit.

🥎 PLAYING THROUGH THE PAIN

The segment opened with haunting aerial footage of the flood’s aftermath — waterlogged homes, overturned cars, and muddy baseball diamonds now buried under debris. Muir’s narration was calm but heavy with emotion as he described how these young athletes had “every reason to stay home” — but chose to play instead.

The girls, most aged between 12 and 14, had been training all year for the Junior Nationals in Oklahoma City. When the floods hit their hometown in late June, many lost their uniforms, equipment — and in some cases, loved ones. One player’s family lost everything in the rising waters.

Yet just five days later, the Texas Voodoo girls showed up, with borrowed gear, donated cleats, and hearts full of determination.

“We came to show we’re strong,” said team captain Alyssa Ramirez, 13, during a taped interview aired in the segment. “Our town is hurting, but we’re still here. We’re still playing.”

💔 A TEAM THAT INSPIRED A NATION

David Muir paused briefly during the broadcast after sharing that one player’s grandfather, who had always attended her games, was among those killed in the flood. With emotion in his voice, he called the team’s presence at the tournament “a triumph of heart over heartbreak.”

The team received a standing ovation during the opening ceremony. Other teams and spectators from around the country donated funds, gear, and hotel vouchers to help cover their costs.

“They didn’t just compete,” Muir said. “They reminded us what it means to rise — even when everything around you has fallen.”

📺 REACTION FROM VIEWERS AND BEYOND

Viewers flooded social media after the segment, calling it one of the most powerful moments in recent World News Tonight history.

“David Muir made me cry again,” one viewer tweeted. “That story about the girls’ softball team — my God. True strength.”
“This is why I watch @DavidMuir. These are the stories we need,” another added.

Even celebrities joined in. Country singer Carrie Underwood reposted the clip with the caption: “True heroes in cleats.”

🗣️ MUIR’S COMMITMENT TO HUMAN STORIES

Muir, who has anchored World News Tonight since 2014, is known for balancing hard headlines with deeply human stories. In the past, he’s highlighted underdog athletes, storm survivors, and small-town heroes — earning him praise for elevating real voices in a fast-moving news cycle.

Monday’s feature reinforced his reputation as not only a trusted journalist but also a storyteller of American resilience.

🎖️ FINAL WORD

As floodwaters continue to recede and Kerrville begins the long road to recovery, the Texas Voodoo girls — and David Muir’s spotlight on their journey — have become a national symbol of strength, sportsmanship, and unbreakable spirit.

In a time of tragedy, they didn’t just play a game.

They played for everyone still standing in the storm.