LAS CRUCES, N.M.—As a member of a team, any team, special bonds are created and in some cases those bonds can last a lifetime. But what happens if these bonds have already been interlaced before becoming a member of the team?
For senior outfielder Kristi Randall and sophomore utility player Kylie Randall, their bond has been fused their whole lives as sisters, who now play for the New Mexico State softball team.
“We have that sister bond,” Kristi said. “Trust is already there.”
Hailing from Chula Vista, Calif., the Randall sisters both graduated from Bonita High School where they were strong contributors to the success of the softball program as both were highly decorated athletes.
However, the Randall sisters have not always been the best of friends. In fact, high school was not a time period where they had that strong of a connection.
“We did not get along very well in high school. There were times when we did not even talk to each other,” Kylie said. “But it’s different now.”
Even through all the challenging times of sibling rivalry, the Randall sisters always knew they had sanctuary on the field. This made it a bit easier for Kylie to choose to play for New Mexico State.
“To decide to play with my sister was hard at first,” Kylie said. “But I am really happy that I did.”
“We have grown so much closer this past year,” Kristi said. “There have been road trips where we are inseparable. We’re like best friends.”
Having the moral support of a sibling and their competitive nature allowed the Randall sisters to have standout performances last season.
Kristi set a new NMSU single-season doubles record (15) and set the NMSU record for most runs scored in a career (111). Kristi was also named to the Troy Cox Classic All-Tournament Team.
Kylie had the second-longest hitting streak on the team with hits in 10 consecutive games. She was 33-for-177 in the box with a batting average of .308 on the year. She also ranked second on the team in stolen bases, swiping 12 on 16 attempts, which tied her for eighth place in the WAC.
Kristi was the main stay in left field last season and watched as her talented sister was moved around the infield, shifting from shortstop to second base, but mentioned that she was most comfortable when Kylie was at shortstop.
“I really like it when she plays in front of me (at short stop),” Kristi said. “I know what balls she is able to get and which ones I am gonna help with.”
Kristi, the older of the two, is physically a bit smaller than her younger sister. However, Kylie said that she has always looked up to her older sister.
“I guess you can say she was my role model growing up,” Kylie added. “But we have always competed.”
The sisters also mentioned that their competitiveness does not negatively affect them on the field.
“We have never fought on the field, even in high school” Kristi said. “It’s something we just don’t believe in. It looks bad to fight with your teammates and even more your sister when you are on the field.”
The idea of competition has spilled over onto the team and has allowed the Randall sisters to strengthen their bond with the team.
“When we compete with each other, it gives our teammates the desire to join in,” Kristi said. “It helps everyone else know that you can have fun, but still work hard.”
Kristi and Kylie agreed that is it usually during practice when their teammates join in on the rivalry.
“Bringing them [the team] into the competition is another fun way to learn each other,” Kristi said. “It’s all about chemistry of your team and knowing each other.”
“It’s kinda like we strengthen our own bond on the field and then strengthen the team as well,” Kylie added.
Even though competition has been a fundamental aspect in their lives, they are very aware of each others strengths and weaknesses.
“Kristi is really smart and school comes really easy to her,” Kylie said. “I really have to work in the classroom.”
On the other hand, Kristi said that softball comes really easy to Kylie.
“I have to work at softball way more than she does,” Kristi admitted. “She is more of a natural athlete. I have to be conscious of every single thing I do, and she just subconsciously plays with a lot more aggression and passion than I do.”
It is obvious that their bond has strengthened since high school. It is more of a friendship than it has ever been in their entire lives.
“I can go to her for anything and we are there for each other,” Kylie said.
“I have played with her forever, I know her both on and off the field, I know what she can do,” Kristi said.
Playing softball at NMSU has allowed their relationship to grow. These two Aggies can push each other, compete with each other and support each other. Their link is as permanent as it gets, they are not only close friends, but most of all sisters.
Courtesy: New Mexico State University
