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Discover Health and Harmony with Functional Medicine from Dr. Erica Oberg
Naturopathic Doctor Bonita, CA

Naturopathic Doctor Near Bonita, CA

Have you ever been to a primary care doctor and wondered why they focus on treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of your illness? Rather than take a patient-centered approach to address questions like, “Why are you ill?” they prescribe medications that alleviate symptoms but don’t do much to solve the underlying issue that’s causing you to be sick.

When you have a runny nose, you’re handed an antihistamine. When you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you’re prescribed a pill that treats the number. The truth is that this approach only tackles your symptoms. When the root cause isn’t fixed, your symptoms can get exponentially worse. Remember - your body’s dysfunction isn’t due to your meds not working.

This begs the question: Wouldn't you rather address the underlying cause of your health concerns so you can experience long-term relief? As a naturopathic doctor in Bonita, CA, Dr. Erica Oberg takes a functional approach to medicine and well-being instead of treating the symptoms her patients endure.

Cultivate and Enhance Your Health with Guidance from Dr. Erica Oberg

Health is a state of vibrant vitality, abundant energy, and positive affect. It can be learned, cultivated, and practiced by everyone. Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine combines the rigors of science with the wisdom of nature and our bodies. She is passionate about helping people experience a higher level of health and vitality. As such, her clinical practice focuses on preventing, reversing, and taming chronic disease, neuro-degeneration, and anti-aging.

Dr. Oberg specializes in nutrition & lifestyle, IV therapy, and identifying the underlying causes of disease using advanced testing and creating customized treatment plans to help individuals dial in their lifestyle, dietary supplements, peptides, bioidentical hormones, anti-aging pharmaceuticals, and more. If you’re looking for individualized, science-based, proactive functional, integrative, or natural medicine, we believe you’ll resonate with Dr. Oberg and work your way through life’s challenges with help from our functional medicine clinic in Bonita, CA.

Dr. Oberg and her team of licensed providers specialize in a range of naturopathic and science-based services, including but not limited to:

  • Functional and Preventative Medicine
  • Hormone Replacement
  • IV Therapy
  • Diet and Nutrition
  • Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
  • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine
  • Exosomes and Stem Cells
  • Peptides
  • Brain Health
  • Concierge Naturopathic Root Cause Primary Care
  • More

If you're ready to reclaim your vitality and learn more about Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine, we make it easy to get started. The first step is to have a complimentary 15-minute phone call to ask questions and determine if her approach is a good fit. Once Dr. Oberg understands your health needs and goals, your journey to optimal health and wellness truly begins.

Now that you know more about what makes Dr. Oberg different from other physicians, let's dig a little deeper into some of the most popular programs and clinical services offered at her functional medicine clinic.

Hormone Balance Program

As people get older, many things change in life. Often, those changes are good, like having more self-control, financial freedom, and patience. Others are hard to deal with, especially when they're out of our control. Like all things in life, our hormones change when we get older. These fluctuations can cause problems for both men and women, including:

  • Mood Swings
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Sleep Problems
  • Less Bone Density
  • More Fat Around Midsection
Naturopathic Medicine Bonita, CA

If those symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone. A 2019 American Psychological Association survey found that almost half of women aged 30 to 60 in the US have experienced symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Of course, as men age, they suffer from imbalanced hormones, too. Research from BodyLogicMD states that nearly 38% of males in America aged 45 and older have a testosterone deficiency.

The good news is that balancing your hormones and addressing the root cause of your symptoms doesn’t have to be hard. It’s a realistic goal with Dr. Oberg by your side. As a functional medicine doctor in Bonita, CA, she can help your body metabolize and detoxify both your own hormones and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals infiltrating your life. When your hormones are in harmony, you experience improved energy, mood, and overall health – and that’s something to be excited about.

Features of Dr. Oberg's Comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program

Our comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your hormonal health. This is no "one-and-done service" - it's a holistic journey that spans three transformative months, offering the support and guidance to become confident, capable, and healthier than ever. Features of our hormone balancing program include:

Healthcare

Healthcare and Coaching

You will receive support throughout your journey from Dr. Oberg, who will provide healthcare services, and our health coaches, who offers personalized coaching tailored to your specific needs.

Plan

Diet Plan

Nutrition has a significant impact on hormonal health. A customized hormone-balancing diet plan will be provided to help nourish the body optimally based on individual goals.

Tips

Tips and Tools

We provide a range of practical strategies and tips for regulating hormone balance through your nervous system. These techniques aim to empower you to take control of your well-being.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Testosterone Replacement Therapy, or Growth Hormone Therapy Balancing Program

When appropriate, we’ll prescribe you hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or growth hormone peptide therapy to help balance your hormones.

At our functional medical office, we make it a point to correct the root causes of our patient's problems. We don't treat symptoms - but we do use them to figure out the underlying issues you're facing. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be time to consider HRT.

Natural Healthcare Bonita, CA

Three Signs That a Male's Hormones Are Imbalanced

When you mention hormone replacement therapy, most people think the treatment is exclusively for females going through menopause. While that's partially true - HRT can relieve night sweats, hot flashes, and other menopause-related problems - men also deal with imbalanced hormones.

Holistic Healthcare Bonita, CA

Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.

Integrative Medicine Bonita, CA

When your sleep patterns change - like when you have trouble falling or staying asleep - it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. Testosterone is involved in regulating the sleep cycle, and insufficient levels of it can disrupt quality rest.

Natural Wellness Bonita, CA

Imbalances in hormones can affect mental health and mood. If a man shows signs of irritability, mood swings, or depression, it could indicate low testosterone or other hormonal issues. Hormone replacement therapy can help regulate mood by balancing your hormone levels.

Three Signs a Female's Hormones are Imbalanced

Menopause happens when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for at least 12 consecutive months. It is a result of declining sex hormone levels, causing the ovaries to stop releasing egg cells. During menopause, women face a range of challenges.

Functional Medicine Bonita, CA

Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.

Holistic Doctor Bonita, CA

Irregular menstrual cycles are a common sign that women are nearing menopause, and their hormone levels may be shifting. The frequency of their periods may increase or decrease, and the amount of bleeding could be more or less than usual, while also lasting for a shorter or longer time.

Natural Healing Bonita, CA

Hot flashes are perhaps the most well-known symptom of menopause and a frequent sign that a woman's hormones are imbalanced. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth and sweating that are usually most intense on your face, neck, and chest.

Don't let hormone imbalances dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your balance, energy, and vitality. By working together with Dr. Oberg and her team, you can unlock the path to a healthier, more harmonious you.

Personalized IV Therapy

When you choose Dr. Oberg as your naturopathic doctor in Bonita, CA, a new world of healthy living and wellness options are at your disposal. One of the most popular and effective ways to give your body the goodness it needs is with custom IV therapy at our functional medicine office.

Wellness Consultation Bonita, CA

What is Personalized IV Therapy from Dr. Oberg?

Customized IV therapy from Dr. Oberg is all about tailoring your treatment to meet your health goals and needs. Unlike one-size-fits-all IV clinics, our team considers factors like nutrient deficiencies, hydration levels, and overall health to create a customized infusion. This personalized approach gives you better and more applicable results, whether you're looking to get a boost of energy, fortify your immune system, or get relief from a specific ailment.

Your custom IV therapy begins with a consultation with Dr. Oberg. During your initial meeting, we’ll get a better sense of what your brain and body needs. From there, we’ll create a custom infusion for you – not just a formula that matches your height, weight, and age.

Our IV drip therapy menu includes infusions such as:

  • Detox
  • Forever Young
  • Beauty from Within
  • Immune Boost
  • Cardio Tonic
  • Rehydrate and Rebalance
  • Performance and Recovery
  • NAD+
  • Exosomes
  • Custom IV Infusions

Does IV Therapy Really Help?

IV therapy is considered one of the best ways to get the nutrients and immune-boosting goodness your body needs because it gives you a more direct, efficient means of delivery. Unlike oral supplement, which often falls short due to digestive limitations, IV therapy ensures swift and comprehensive nutrient absorption. Some of the biggest benefits of IV therapy from a functional medicine doctor in Bonita, CA include the following:

IV fluids and electrolytes rapidly hydrate your body, providing an efficient remedy for dehydration resulting from illness, physical activity, or excessive alcohol intake.

IV treatment is able to increase energy and fight tiredness, which can make you feel re-energized.

IV infusions containing immune-enhancing vitamins and antioxidants can fortify your immune system and assist in recovering from illness.

IV therapy containing growth factors, exosomes, and vitamins is effective in improving the health and appearance of the skin and hair. These components complement hair and facial microneedling treatments exceptionally well.

IV therapy can help reduce the symptoms of toxic exposure, like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration, whether it's from a basic hangover or prolonged exposure to molds, heavy metals, or other toxins.

Dr. Oberg’s personalized IV infusions can serve as an initial boost for making lifestyle changes and play a role in a sustained plan to control persistent conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart disease, and others.

Support Mitochondria function and Anti-aging

Dr. Oberg offers carefully sourced and research backed regenerative therapies such as exosome and stem cell infusions. These can be powerful options for people recovering from chronic infections such as long COVID or Epstein Barr or Lyme. They are also powerful for neuro-regeneration and we frequently use them in stroke recovery and for traumatic brain injury.

Naturopathic Doctor Bonita, CA

Dr. Oberg Has an IV Infusion with Your Name on It

Dr. Oberg offers personalized IV micronutrient therapy tailored to address specific nutritional deficiencies, hydration needs, and overall health. This therapy is based on advanced testing that evaluates your cells' nutrient levels. Whether you need more energy, a stronger immune system, or relief from different health issues, IV drip therapy can be customized to help you rediscover the very best version of yourself.

Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine

As we get older, our bodies experience a range of changes that affect our health and appearance. These changes are primarily caused by issues with mitochondria and cellular aging. However, there have been significant developments in regenerative medicine, offering the potential to turn back the hands of time and improve health. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Oberg to begin your journey with regenerative medicine.

Naturopathic Medicine Bonita, CA

Regenerative Medicine Explained

Regenerative medicine is an exciting, innovative field that centers on activating your body's innate regenerative abilities to repair and revitalize tissues, cells, and organs. Its focus is on improving your body's natural healing processes to counteract the impacts of aging and different health issues. If you find that old, nagging injuries won’t go away or that fine lines and wrinkles have become overwhelming, anti-aging medicine from a functional medicine doctor in Bonita, CA may be perfect for you.

At our naturopathic medical office, we use treatments like IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and Peptide Therapy to manage a broad array of health and aesthetic concerns. These treatments can aid in tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and enhancement of cellular function.

Anti-aging services offered at our functional medicine clinic include the following:

Natural Healthcare Bonita, CA

Peptides are fundamental components of proteins and play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as the aging process. Dr. Oberg offers peptide treatments to help counteract age-related decline, enhance muscle growth and performance, improve skin health, and more.

Holistic Healthcare Bonita, CA

When you bring your hormones back into balance, you can fight back against issues such as fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido, and even erectile dysfunction.

Integrative Medicine Bonita, CA

Replenish vital nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration for improved energy levels, skin health, and immune support.

Natural Wellness Bonita, CA

Exosomes are tiny vesicles generated from mesenchymal stem cells. These vesicles serve as powerful communicators, transmitting signals to various tissues in the body. Their main function is to trigger healing, regeneration, and repair processes, mimicking the actions of younger cells. They are considered to be one of the most effective strategies for combating the aging process.

Functional Medicine Bonita, CA

When nutrition guidance, lifestyle adaptations, and powerful supplements are combined with naturopathic medical therapies from Dr. Oberg, you can reverse chronic diseases in your life and reach your anti-aging goals.

Who is the Best Candidate for Regenerative Medicine from Dr. Erica Oberg?

Our goal with regenerative medicine treatments is to rejuvenate deteriorating or aging tissue. Our approach to treatment centers on fixing and reversing damage instead of solely addressing symptoms like pain. Regenerative medicine harnesses the power of healthy cells to renew and restore function by enhancing the body's innate capacity for self-healing.

Dr. Oberg uses regenerative medicine to treat a range of issues, both aesthetic and injury-related, including the following:

Holistic Doctor Bonita, CA
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Long Covid
  • Chronic Fatigue & Epstein Barr Virus
  • Skin Tone and Skin Health
  • Neuropathy
  • Sexual Health Issues
  • Joint Pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Saggy Skin
  • Damaged Cartilage
  • Back Pain
  • More

Experience the future of anti-aging and regenerative medicine with Dr. Erica Oberg. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on your journey to a healthier, more youthful you.

What Our Clients Are Saying

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The Premier Naturopathic Doctor in Bonita, CA

When you visit our functional medicine clinic, you can rest easy knowing Dr. Erica Oberg uses her unique skills, knowledge, and naturopathic principles for the betterment of your health and well-being. Unlike many traditional primary care providers, our team combines the best aspects of traditional wisdom and modern scientific medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic diseases.

You don't have to worry about us suggesting addictive pain medications or treatments that simply mask your aesthetic or medical challenges. Instead, our goal is to address the underlying factors holding you back. If you're ready to take the first step toward purposeful progress and healthy living, contact us today.

Latest News Near Me Bonita, CA

Air quality index (AQI⁺) and PM2.5 air pollution in Bonita • 726 Followers • 05:00, Oct 04

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Bonita air quality index (AQI⁺) forecast

Today

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What is the current air quality in Bonita?

PM2.5Fine particles (≤ 2.5 µm)7.2 *µg/m³

Flag football Recap: Bonita Bearcats vs. Glendora Tartans

Bonita Flag FootballBonita vs San Dimas: HighlightsSep 17, 20262.0k ViewsUp NextAway GameLeagueBonitaAyalaOct 6, 2026 @ 6:45pmPreview GameWednesday, Sep 30, 2026Flag football Recap: Bonita Adds Another Dominant Win to Their LedgerTeam Reports•Sep 30, 2026Flag football Recap: Bonita Adds Another Dominant Win to Their LedgerFlag football Recap: Bonita Bearcats vs. Claremont WolfpackWednesday, Sep 30, 2026Congratulations to Hayden A...

Bonita Flag Football

Bonita vs San Dimas: Highlights

Sep 17, 2026

2.0k Views

Up Next

Away Game

League

BonitaAyala

Oct 6, 2026 @ 6:45pm

Preview Game

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026

Flag football Recap: Bonita Adds Another Dominant Win to Their Ledger

Team Reports•Sep 30, 2026

Flag football Recap: Bonita Adds Another Dominant Win to Their LedgerFlag football Recap: Bonita Bearcats vs. Claremont Wolfpack

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026

Congratulations to Hayden Andrew for being selected the Bonita player of the game

Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026

Stats have been entered for the Bonita vs. Claremont on Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2026.

197

Passing Yards

197

Receiving Yards

16

Rushing Yards

Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026

On Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026, the Bonita Varsity Girls Flag Football team won their game against Claremont High School by a score of 51-0.

Bonita51

Claremont0

Final

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

Flag football Recap: Bonita Picks Up Fourth Consecutive Win

Flag football Recap: Bonita Picks Up Fourth Consecutive WinFlag football Recap: Bonita Bearcats vs. Glendora Tartans

Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026

Stats have been entered for the Bonita vs. Glendora on Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026.

159

Passing Yards

159

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102

Rushing Yards

Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026

On Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026, the Bonita Varsity Girls Flag Football team won their Senior Night game against Glendora High School by a score of 26-12.

Bonita26

Glendora12

Final

Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026

Congratulations to Riley Lehigh for being selected the Bonita player of the game

Monday, Sep 21, 2026

Stats have been entered for the Bonita vs. Claremont on Monday, Sep. 21, 2026.

156

Passing Yards

156

Receiving Yards

21

Rushing Yards

Monday, Sep 21, 2026

On Monday, Sep 21, 2026, the Bonita Varsity Girls Flag Football team won their game against Claremont High School by a score of 40-0.

Bonita40

Claremont0

Final

Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

Flag football Recap: Ava Flores' Menacing Defense Leads Bonita over Ayala

Team Reports•Sep 17, 2026

Flag football Recap: Ava Flores' Menacing Defense Leads Bonita over AyalaFlag football Recap: Bonita Bearcats vs. Ayala Bulldogs

Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026

Stats have been entered for the Bonita vs. Ayala on Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026.

129

Passing Yards

129

Receiving Yards

26

Rushing Yards

Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026

On Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026, the Bonita Varsity Girls Flag Football team won their game against Ayala High School by a score of 19-6.

Bonita19

Ayala6

Final

Thursday, Sep 10, 2026

Flag football Recap: Bonita Now 14-2 over Last 16 Games

Team Reports•Sep 10, 2026

Flag football Recap: Bonita Now 14-2 over Last 16 GamesFlag football Recap: Bonita Bearcats vs. San Dimas Saints

Thursday, Sep 10, 2026

Congratulations to Ava Flores for being selected the Bonita player of the game

Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026

Stats have been entered for the Bonita vs. San Dimas on Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026.

137

Passing Yards

137

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Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026

On Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026, the Bonita Varsity Girls Flag Football team won their Crosstown Rivalry for Smudge Crown game against San Dimas High School by a score of 13-6.

Bonita13

San Dimas6

Final

Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026

Flag football Recap: Bonita Adds Another Dominant Win to Their Ledger

Team Reports•Sep 8, 2026

Flag football Recap: Bonita Adds Another Dominant Win to Their LedgerFlag football Recap: Bonita Bearcats vs. Templeton Eagles

Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026

Flag football Recap: Bonita Falls in a Tight One to San Marcos

Team Reports•Sep 8, 2026

Flag football Recap: Bonita Falls in a Tight One to San MarcosFlag football Recap: Bonita Bearcats vs. San Marcos Royals

Team and page last updated on Oct 1, 2026 @ 7:18pm (GMT)

Bonita Vista Flag Football

Sep 21, 2026 @ 5:30pmFlag football Recap: Bonita Vista Skates Past Hilltop with EaseTeam ReportsFlag football Recap: Bonita Vista Barons vs. Hilltop LancersStats have been entered for the Bonita Vista vs. Hilltop on Monday, Sep. 21, 2026.On Monday, Sep 21, 2026, the Bonita Vista Varsity Girls Flag Football team won their game against Hilltop High School by a score of 47-13.Flag football Recap: Bonita Vista Piles Up the Points Against SchurrFlag football Recap: Bonita Vista Barons vs. Schurr Sp...

Sep 21, 2026 @ 5:30pm

Flag football Recap: Bonita Vista Skates Past Hilltop with Ease

Team Reports

Flag football Recap: Bonita Vista Barons vs. Hilltop Lancers

Stats have been entered for the Bonita Vista vs. Hilltop on Monday, Sep. 21, 2026.

On Monday, Sep 21, 2026, the Bonita Vista Varsity Girls Flag Football team won their game against Hilltop High School by a score of 47-13.

Flag football Recap: Bonita Vista Piles Up the Points Against Schurr

Flag football Recap: Bonita Vista Barons vs. Schurr Spartans

Stats have been entered for the Bonita Vista vs. Schurr on Saturday, Sep. 19, 2026.

On Saturday, Sep 19, 2026, the Bonita Vista Varsity Girls Flag Football team won their Warren Invitational - Day 1 - Game 2 game against Schurr High School by a score of 52-0.

Stats have been entered for the Bonita Vista vs. Long Beach Poly on Saturday, Sep. 19, 2026.

On Saturday, Sep 19, 2026, the Bonita Vista Varsity Girls Flag Football team won their Warren Invitational - Day 1 - Game 1 game against Long Beach Poly High School by a score of 18-0.

Stats have been entered for the Bonita Vista vs. Helix on Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026.

On Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026, the Bonita Vista Varsity Girls Flag Football team won their game against Helix High School by a score of 22-6.

Photographer Michael Manzano has posted a new gallery Sierra Canyon vs Bonita Vista (MaxPreps Flag Football Showdown) containing 107 photos.

Photographer Michael Manzano has posted a new gallery San Ramon Valley vs Bonita Vista (MaxPreps Flag Football Showdown) containing 127 photos.

Sunday, Sep 13, 2026

Flag football Recap: Bonita Vista Comes Up Short in High-Profile Matchup with San Ramon Valley

Friday, Sep 11, 2026

Flag Football Showdown: No. 25 Merced highlights Day 1 by snapping No. 2 Central's 62-game win streak

Sep 11, 2026

Flag Football Showdown: No. 25 Merced highlights Day 1 by snapping No. 2 Central's 62-game win streakRanked teams JSerra Catholic, Newport Harbor and Orange Lutheran roll to 2-0 in inaugural event.

On Friday, Sep 11, 2026, the Bonita Vista Varsity Girls Flag Football team won their game against Vincent Memorial High School by a score of 0-0.

On Friday, Sep 11, 2026, the Bonita Vista Varsity Girls Flag Football team lost their Field 3 game against San Ramon Valley High School by a score of 7-14.

Tournament Game

MAXPREPS FLAG FOOTBALL SHOWDOWN FFS

On Friday, Sep 11, 2026, the Bonita Vista Varsity Girls Flag Football team lost their Field 1 game against Sierra Canyon High School by a score of 7-13.

Tournament Game

MAXPREPS FLAG FOOTBALL SHOWDOWN FFS

Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026

How to watch: Eight nationally-ranked teams headline field at inaugural MaxPreps Flag Football Showdown

Sep 8, 2026

How to watch: Eight nationally-ranked teams headline field at inaugural MaxPreps Flag Football ShowdownSan Diego area to host 18 of the nation's top programs with games streaming live on the NFHS Network, YouTube.

Monday, Sep 7, 2026

High school flag football rankings: Orange Lutheran, Legend and Grandview rise in this week's MaxPreps Top 25

View Team ScheduleView All Player StatsView Team RosterView More Stat Leaders

California ready to 'win it all' at Little League World Series: What to know

(Editor's note: An earlier version of this story misstated the relationship between Noah Kirk and Alejandro Kirk. They are cousins.)On June 1, the Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Stars and their manager, Steve Winnick, gathered in Bonita, Calif. for the first day of practice.The Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, came up."I said we have what it takes to not only go to the Williamsport but to win it all,'' Winnick told USA TODAY Sports. "But you guys have to ...

(Editor's note: An earlier version of this story misstated the relationship between Noah Kirk and Alejandro Kirk. They are cousins.)

On June 1, the Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Stars and their manager, Steve Winnick, gathered in Bonita, Calif. for the first day of practice.

The Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, came up.

"I said we have what it takes to not only go to the Williamsport but to win it all,'' Winnick told USA TODAY Sports. "But you guys have to trust each other, gel with each other, do all the things that we need to do to get there.''

Sure enough, Sweetwater Valley has reached Williamsport. The team from San Diego County will represent the West Region in the 20-team, modified double-elimination tournament for players 10 to 12 with a chance to prove its manager right -- and win it all.

Sweetwater Valley will play its opening game at 6 p.m. ET Thursday Aug. 20 (weather permitting) against the Midwest Regional winner, Davenport Northwest Little League of Davenport, Iowa.

"To be here is honestly surreal,'' Winnick said. "There's a lot of good Southern California teams, a lot of good teams in the West Region.''

Sweetwater Valley played some of the best during the LLWS West Regional tournament Aug. 9-14. It won all three of its games by a combined score of 33-7.

Sweetwater Valley stars

There are no easy outs on Sweetwater Valley's roster, and the team also has stars. Two to watch: Noah Kirk and Isaac Ramirez.

Kirk, a cousin of Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk, is scheduled to start against Davenport, Iowa. His fastball reportedly has been clocked at 75 mph and he also throws off-speed pitches with accuracy.

Yet the pitcher who dazzled during the West Regional was Isaac Ramirez. Ramirez pitched in a one-hitter and struck out seven batters in six innings during a 6-0 victory over Hawaii.

"Those two pitchers were top shelf,'' said Greg Isom, an assistant coach for San Ramon Valley of Northern California that lost to Sweetwater Valley 16-4 at the West Regional tournament.

Martinez, who plays left field when he's not pitching, also hit a grand slam in the West Regional championship game. He went 6-for-8 with four RBIs and six runs over the three games.

Kirk, who plays shortstop when he's not on the mound, went 4-for-8, four RBIs and three runs during the three games.

Other players who shined at the tournament include second baseman Templeton Tran, who went 3-for-5 with four RBIs and three runs along with right fielder and catcher Grant Mielke, who went 4-for-8 with a home run and three RBIs.

Transcending talent

Sweetwater Valley's success transcends talent, according to Isom, the assistant coach for San Ramon Valley.

"I'd say the one thing that really stood out to me was the camaraderie that the team had," Isom said. "Even when one of their guys got down, their whole team surrounded the kid and encouraged him. Having that type of team chemistry right now is key going into the World Series."

Also, during the opening game at the West Regional tournament, Sweetwater Valley trailed San Valley Ramon 2-1 after two innings. It led 3-2 heading into the fourth inning.

"And then their bats came alive," Isom said.

Sweetwater Valley scored 13 runs over the final three innings on its way to a 16-4 victory.

"They never seemed to get down and they never had bad body language,'' Isom added. "So it was fun to watch and it was fun to play against them.''

'Might take it all the way'

Another valuable scouting report comes from Kaili Panui, manager of the team from Kaua'i's Kawaihau in Hawaii. In the West Regional tournament, Panui's team lost twice to Sweetwater Valley by a combined score of 17-3.

"First off, they're a big, big team,'' Panui said. "Their pitching's outstanding, that's for sure.

"They're definitely well rounded. Their defense was outstanding. They were making backend plays, making diving plays. Even those short balls, in the Bermuda triangle, they're diving right in it.''

After beating Hawaii 6-0 in their first game, Sweetwater Valley beat them again 11-3 in the championship game.

Said Panui, "I told the kids, we lost, but you watch this team…They might make it all the way.''

Contributing: Andrés Soto

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:

Sweetwater Valley knocked out of Little League World Series

The Sweetwater Valley Little League team's dream run ended with a 12-2 loss to Phenix City at the Little League World Series.BONITA, Calif. — The all-star team from the Sweetwater Valley Little League was eliminated from the Little League World Series Saturday after losing 12-2 to its counterpart from Phenix City (Alabama) Youth Baseball Little League in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.The 4 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time game at Howard J. Lamade Stadium was televised by ESPN. A viewing party was held at 3N1 Sports Bar &...

The Sweetwater Valley Little League team's dream run ended with a 12-2 loss to Phenix City at the Little League World Series.

BONITA, Calif. — The all-star team from the Sweetwater Valley Little League was eliminated from the Little League World Series Saturday after losing 12-2 to its counterpart from Phenix City (Alabama) Youth Baseball Little League in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

The 4 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time game at Howard J. Lamade Stadium was televised by ESPN. A viewing party was held at 3N1 Sports Bar & Grill in Chula Vista, where 10% of all purchases were donated to the families of Sweetwater Valley players for travel expenses.

Phenix City, the Southeast Region champion, had been relegated to the United States elimination bracket in the 20-team modified double-elimination tournament with a 2-0 loss to the all-star team from the Tacoma, Washington-based Soundview Little League Wednesday in the opener for both teams.

Sweetwater Valley also entered Saturday's game in the elimination bracket after suffering a 1-0 loss in its weather-delayed opener to its counterpart from the Davenport (Iowa) Northwest Little League Friday. Sweetwater Valley was no-hit in that game and ended it on a called third strike with a full count and the bases loaded on a pitch that appeared to be outside.

Cooper Thissen pitched 5 1/3 no-hit innings, striking out 15, and homered leading off the bottom of the first for Davenport's only run.

Thissen reached the 85-pitch limit when he walked Asher Giglio on seven pitches to give Sweetwater Valley runners on first and second with one out in the sixth inning. Little League games are six innings.

Left-hander reliever Anthony Johnson Jr.'s first pitch resulted in a passed ball by catcher Kannon Kane that allowed Sebastian Pino to advance to third. Pino had drawn a six-pitch walk leading off the inning.

Julian Sevilla walked on five pitches to load the bases.

Mateo Ruiz was called out on strikes on a 2-2 pitch for the second out. James Griffin was then called out on strikes on the seventh pitch, on a pitch that appeared to be outside.

"I told them, `The great thing is that we're not done,'" Sweetwater Valley manager Steve Winnick said after Friday's loss. "I would love to see that team again and face them again. I think it could be different next time."

The Bonita-based team entered the Little League World Series 15-0 in its four tournaments, outscoring its opponents 114-15.

Sweetwater Valley was originally scheduled to play its Little League World Series opener Thursday, but all four of the day's planned games were postponed "due to the impact of prolonged inclement weather," Little League International announced. The games were rescheduled for Friday.

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