Brittney Batten hasn't always wanted her kid sister Kelsie hanging around.
"When we were younger, I think I was too cool for her," said Brittney with a smile. "I was like 'leave me alone.'"
Kelsie says she always looked up to Brittney.
"She was too cool for me and all I wanted was to hang out with my big sister," said Kelsie.
Little sister grew up. When the 18 year old was looking for a place to play college softball, big sister wanted some company at UT Tyler.
"When I knew she (Kelsie) was looking here, I was pretty excited," said the 22 year old senior.
This sister act has been quite a success. With big sister Brittney behind home plate, Kelsie has been perfect on the mound. She has a 7-0 record as a freshman.
"I felt comfortable with her (behind home plate)," said Kelsie. "It's really helped me a lot. I think she's harder on me because I am her sister and she expects more from me than the other sisters because she knows what I'm capable of."
The Brittney and Kelsie had never been teammates. If not for shoulder surgery and a medical redshirt, Brittney's college career would already be complete. Now she's thankful for an injury from four years ago.
"At the time is was frustrating and I was very upset because I was excited to get to play college ball," said Brittney about her freshman year of college. "Looking back it was probably a blessing in disguise because I do get to play with my little sister and make a lot of memories I wouldn't have."
Kelsie was sorry to see her sister in pain. She's thankful for the chance to be teammates for one special season.
"Not getting to play together and this being one of our chances, it's been a great opportunity," said Kelsie. "It's definitely something I will never forget."
Copyright 2013 KLTV. All rights reserved.
