Five sets of sisters play on 2016 Newton softball team

Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” could be the 2016 Newton High softball team’s theme song for several reasons. One reason for that is like the 1979 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates, the Cardinals are off to a strong start this summer.

The biggest reason is the 2016 NHS softball team has five sets of sisters playing on it. Two of those pairs have starting varsity team positions.

Three seniors — Kari Adams, Sydney Jenkins and Fran Lucas — are playing their final season for Newton High with their younger sisters — sophomores Jaden Adams and Audrey Lucas and freshman Lakin Jenkins.

Junior Lizzy Coyle and freshman Anna Coyle are playing together on the junior varsity. Sophomore twin sisters Karley and Kennedy Leiker are two-year varsity starters.

“It’s kind of neat. I really hadn’t thought of it until someone pointed it out this year,” Newton head coach Kristina McNew said. “It’s never happened here before. I played with my cousin on the varsity when I played for Newton.”

McNew said she remembered seeing her extended family at games and the feeling of how great it was to see family members out supporting both her cousin and herself.

Kari Adams is the Cardinal varsity starting center fielder and Jaden Adams is a short stop for the junior varsity. Both bat and throw right-handed. Kari is in her 14th year playing softball and Jaden said she began playing softball as a fifth-grader.

The Adams sisters have played two years together on the Newton High team. They have played travel softball together also.

“Over the years, we’ve become closer,” Kari said. “We’ve been able to critique each other when we see something the other can improve on. We are each others’ biggest fan, and always there to support each other.”

Jaden said Kari is an amazing leader. She said her sister is someone everyone looks up to, and has helped her keep her confidence up.

“She never lets me hang my head after a bad play or hit,” Jaden said. “She constantly puts a smile on my face with her goofy cheering. She has more softball experience and has good advice for every situation. It is hard to stay mad at her when I have to see her every day and interact with her as a teammate.”

Sydney Jenkins and Lakin Jenkins each throw right-handed but bat left-handed. Sydney is a four-year starter for the Cardinal varsity while Lakin is playing on the freshman and junior varsity teams this season.

“I’ve helped her with her leadoffs on the bases, and have tried to help her with her attitude and self confidence, because I used to struggle with that part of the game,” Sydney said of Lakin.

For Lakin, the two years she’s played on the same team as Sydney have been good for her. She said her sister has reminded her she can fix anything she is doing wrong.

“My sister records me so I can see my errors and make adjustments,” Lakin said. “Being compared to her is a pro and a con, but she’s always there to pick me up after a game or at home.”

Fran and Audrey Lucas start at second base and third base, respectively, for the Cardinal varsity. Audrey is taller than big sister Fran and they both throw and bat from the right side.

The Lucas sisters have played together on teams since Fran was 8 years old.

“I think the biggest way I help Audrey is making sure she has her uniform and is on time for practice,” Fran said. “I also encourage her on and off the field. We are just always there for each other.”

Audrey echoes her sister’s words. She said Fran has helped her with the mental aspect of the game.

“She has always been very supportive of me,” Audrey said. “It is nice to always have someone you can count on, but we are sisters and we do argue about things too.”

Lizzy and Anna Coyle play together on the junior varsity team. Lizzy plays outfield and first base while Anna has become one of the team’s top pitchers. Anna pitches for the varsity as well as the junior varsity.

“Unfortunately, my sister is taller than I am,” Lizzy said. “Practicing together is a way I’ve helped Anna plus I’ve been supportive and encourage her. We have fun together and have gotten even close while playing together on the high school team.”

“Lizzy caught for me even on vacations so I could improve my pitching,” Anna said. “She picks me up when I get down. We’re making memories together and having fun.”

Twins Karley and Kennedy stepped in as starters for the varsity team quickly. Kennedy is the oldest, but Karley is taller. Kennedy is the varsity catcher and Karley plays right field.

“It’s really cool to have a twin because she is always there to support me,” Karley said. “It is fun to play softball together. Our dad got us into softball and coached us when we were younger.”

Kennedy said they started playing softball when they were 6 and have always played on the same teams. Kennedy throws and bats right-handed while Karley bats from the left side of the plate and throws right-handed.

“We help each other and work together to become better players,” Kennedy said. “I love playing ball with my sister. She knows exactly how to make me feel better if I’m not having a great game.”

What is the best memory each sister has as teammates?

“Fun days at tournaments,” Lizzy said

“Bus rides to and from places listening to music and dancing,” Anna said.

“Always being her partner whether it is playing catch or batting. We are always there for each other to talk to,” Fran said.

“My best memory was starting varsity last year and being nervous, but Fran was there to help me out,” Audrey said.

“We have a lot of great memories together, but one stands out is one of last year’s Dallas Center-Grimes’ games. We were down one run, I was on third and Karley hit the ball. I scored to send the game into extra innings,” Kennedy said.

“My best memory of Kennedy and I is throwing a girl out at home (to Kennedy) from right field,” Karley said.

“Sydney randomly yelling ‘that’s my sister’ during games,” Lakin said.

“Yelling ‘that’s my sister’ when she make a good play or gets a good hit,” Sydney said.

“She hit her 11th home run this week and my favorite thing is when she crosses home plate and gives me a big, sweaty hug with the biggest smile on her face,” Jaden said. “Those are memories I will cherish because this is the last season I will play ball with her.”

“Every time I come into the dugout, she’s the first one to say ‘great job’ or ‘you’re OK, 6,’” Kari said. “She’s also the first one to meet me at the plate after a home run. Overall, having Jaden playing on the team has made softball so much better.”

These 10 sisters are helping the Cardinals have an exciting season this summer. Newton is 13-6 overall and heading into Friday’s Little Hawkeye Conference game at Pella Christian, the Cardinals are 4-1 in conference play.

From their answers, playing on the same softball team with a sister has far more pros than cons.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535
or jsheets@newtondailynews.com