Athlete of the Week: Wallace State softball’s Katie and Emily Simon

HANCEVILLE, Ala. ( WIAT ) — With double the trouble and talent, Katie and Emily Simon control the diamond and give Wallace State Community College’s softball team twice the win.

The twins from Athens have been playing the sport together ever since they could remember.

“We don’t really see it as competition,” Emily said. “We complement each other so well. We love each other and want to succeed for each other.”

Between little leagues, travel ball and pitching lessons, the two always want to push each other to be at their best, while also being each other’s biggest cheerleader.

“I think we have always pushed each other in like workouts or in the bullpen,” Katie said. “We want to always be the best we can be for this team and knowing that we can push each other helps this team know we can win.”

In their two seasons at Wallace State, the duo’s profile combined over 450 strikeouts while helping grab another conference title and their ticket to the NJCAA World Series.

“They are winners and by far the two of the most competitive people we have on this team,” Head softball coach Lauren Stewart said. “The other teams in our conference have a kind of respect and fear for the two of them because of how hard they work, and their number speak for themselves.”

With their time ending at Wallace State, the two still have more to accomplish on the field as both will play for the University of North Alabama next fall.

“I think it is so special,” Katie said. “Our parents are so supportive and proud, plus we are each other’s biggest supporters. It is just so cool to be on this journey with your best friend.”

Wallace State is set to head to the National Junior College Athletic Association Conference Division I Softball World Series. The Lions are set to play Salt Lake Community College on Monday at 5 p.m. in Oxford.

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