Forever Young – Softball Twins Learn How to Navigate College, Life and Softball Without the Other by Their Side

By Lizzie Rush
Editor In Chief
IG: liz.rush

From growing up inseparable, to playing softball on opposing college teams, Halstead twins, Kaci Young and Brett Young, have had to learn how to navigate college without the other by their side.

Now living 203 miles apart, Brett Young is an outfielder for Southeast Community College while Kaci Young pitches for Hutchinson Community College.  

Their softball careers started at the age of 6 and both sisters happened to fall in love with the game.

“I’m super talkative, so I love being out there, communicating with my team and just being around everyone. That team aspect is a big reason I’ve stuck with it. It’s kind of just always been my thing, I don’t really know life without it,” Brett said.

Kaci’s reason for sticking with the game so long is because of the support her parents gave her.

“They’ve always been there for me, coming to every game and constantly supporting me, which has meant a lot and pushed me to keep going,” Kaci said.

While growing up, the twins were close, stating that they were practically inseparable.

“Growing up in a small town, we did everything together. We had the same friends, clubs, practices and classes. We were basically always together,” Brett said.

“We’ve just always been a duo on the field,” Kaci said.

While in high school, Brett signed to Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Neb. to continue her softball career, while Kaci stayed close to home.

“At first, it was definitely an adjustment not having her around, but we still keep each other updated on our games and experiences as much as we can and continue to support each other from a distance,” Kaci said.

Brett echoed that sentiment.

“It’s been kind of hard not being around her as much now after 18 years of that. We still text all the time and stay close, but it’s definitely different being three hours away from someone you used to see every day,” Brett said.

The Youngs played against each other on Feb. 7 at Fun Valley Sports Complex, with Hutchinson beating Southeast 6-4 and 10-1.

While they may no longer share the softball field as teammates, they still share so many memories from when they once played together.

“In high school she pitched, and I caught her, and that was really special. We would communicate without even saying much. and also yell at each other when we each made mistakes and be blunt about things in a way only sister can be,” said Brett.

Kaci also shared a similar memory.

“We had our own secret signs for pitches and little celebrations for strikeouts.”

The two may no longer play on the same team, but their sibling bond will last a lifetime.

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