At Trinity and Assumption, Sander siblings are 2 wins from state titles in baseball and softball

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Trinity and Assumption high school are each two wins away from KHSAA state championships in baseball and softball, seasons that have provided quite the journey for the Sander siblings, Colin and Grace.

They are the type of players coaches love to have on their team. Grace Sander is a freshman, playing mostly second and third base for Assumption.

"I knew she was going to be a contributor," said first-year Assumption head coach Suzanne Cates. "But I don't think I estimated how much she would really contribute. She was super coachable and just worked her way into a starting role, and I definitely don't think we are anywhere close to where we are without her playing."

Colin Sander is a junior playing second base, shortstop and pitcher for Trinity.

"Colin's one of our real versatile players," Trinity Head Coach Rick Arnold said. "He does a real good job at either middle infield spot. He's one of our top three pitchers so he's pitched a lot of innings and he's been a top of the order hitter all year. And he's just a great kid from a great family. He's what we want at Trinity. He's the kind of person and man that we like to have in our program and he sure sets the tone for a lot of things this team does well."

The siblings have always supported each other on the field.

"I wasn't sure if she was going to have an opportunity to play," Colin Sander said of his younger sister. "I wasn't even sure if she was going to be on varsity, but for her to have a substantial role on the varsity as a freshman is something that I wasn't good enough to do. And it's really cool to see her do it."

"It's a lot of fun," Grace Sander said. "I love watching him play. I've been watching him play since I was super little. I try to go to as many games as I can this year."

There does seem to be some discrepancy about who's better at certain aspects of the game.

Colin Sander just kind of shook his head when he learned that his sister thought she might have him as a fielder.

"I'll give him credit," Grace Sander said with a smile. "He's pretty good, but I might have him beat."

They are each other's biggest fans and are loving the postseason ride for both teams.

"We've been talking about it," Grace Sander said. "It's incredible how far we've gotten this year, and I just think we're just trying to cherish the moments we're having."

"It's kind of surreal," Colin Sander added. "I wasn't expecting for both of us to be here, especially with her having the role she does, so it's just awesome. It's really cool."

The only negative for this whole postseason ride is that many of their games have been played at the same time. So mom and dad, Annie and Mark, have had to split up for games and try to follow along on their iPads or via text to know what's happening in the other game. And Grace and Colin Sander find out after their games how the other did.

But they get a break for this Friday's semifinal games in Lexington. Trinity plays at 10 a.m. against Pleasure Ridge Park, and Assumption takes on North Laurel at 3:30 p.m. So it's a chance to watch both games for the whole family.