Christendom’s student body is like a family. With just over 500 students, people are treated as individuals, and known as people – not numbers. In the case of this year’s Lady Crusader softball team, the term “family” took on a very literal meaning, with three different sets of siblings playing on the team. This sisterhood experience is one they are already looking back on fondly, and one that could only be possible at Christendom.
Siblings Clare and Mary-Grace Handy, Sophie and Maggie Adams, and Annie and Margaret Speer.
The Lady Crusader softball team enjoyed a successful 2019 season, finishing with a rank of #14 in the nation. That success is due in no small part to the siblings who played instrumental roles on the team: Clare and Mary-Grace Handy, Maggie and Sophie Adams, and Annie and Margaret Speer.
The Adams sisters came onto the team with the unique quality of also being twins. They have been playing softball since the age of 6. Together, they played on team after team, and were even being coached by their father at one point. They shared the same victories and defeats and grew through them, ultimately bringing that same camaraderie to Christendom’s softball team.
“Playing together in college has been a very special experience,” says Sophie Adams. “Since we grew up always playing on the same team, continuing that experience into college has felt so right, almost like a piece of home. I feel more myself when we’re on the field at the same time, especially when Maggie’s pitching and I’m behind the plate.”
Maggie Adams led her team to 5 victories as a pitcher in 2019.
On the team, Sophie contributed on both sides of the plate, ranking #3 in the USCAA in batting average for the 2018 season. As a pitcher, Maggie went 5-2 in her final season, giving so much back to the Christendom team that brought the sisters together again for softball one last time.
For the Handys, their experience was even more unique, with Clare coaching the team and Mary-Grace playing first base. Like the Adams’, the Handy sisters have played together since a young age, competing on the same teams since childhood. Clare joined Christendom as the head coach of the softball team two years ago and immediately leaned on Mary-Grace for support in leading the team to its current success. Their relationship only deepened through competing together at Christendom.
“The power good energy has on a program is significant, and Mary-Grace has contributed with her skills and leadership in a way that will be irreplaceable next year,” says coach Clare Handy. “Watching her grow and being there for her as a coach has been one of my greatest honors and it will always hold a special place in my career.”
Mary-Grace Handy helped the team both as a player and as a team leader, helping her sister (and coach) Clare throughout their time together.
The Speers played together a little less before college than the Adams and Handy sisters, but their bond was just as strong as a result of their sisterhood in the sport. Starting in a township league before coming to Christendom, the two sisters each enjoyed great success as Lady Crusaders, with Margaret being ranked #4 in batting average in 2017. They both see their time playing together as a highlight of their college experience.
“Having the chance to compete and play softball with my sister has been one of the highlights of my college experience,” says Annie Speer. “Playing and watching softball, or baseball, is something we grew up doing and both love very much. While we generally take it seriously, there’s always time for joking or goofing off and making memories I’ll always remember.”
Maggie and Sophie Adams, Mary-Grace Handy, and Annie Speer are all graduating this May, bringing this softball sisterhood to a close. Even though the time is ending, playing and studying together at Christendom will never be forgotten.
Annie finished 2019 with a .339 batting average, playing an instrumental role in Christendom’s success.
“It is heartbreaking to say goodbye to the sport that has been part of our lives for 17 years, and to the teammates we have had at Christendom,” concludes Maggie Adams. “I am so thankful for the softball program at Christendom, especially for my teammates and Clare, but most of all for the opportunity to play with Sophie one last time. I will miss playing with her and having her catch my pitches more than I can say.”
Christendom’s education and family atmosphere has attracted siblings ever since the college was founded, with many members of the same family all studying at Christendom. Seeing that relationship deepen through the education and the extracurricular activities the college offers is a testament to Christendom’s unique educational model and the people it produces after four years of educational, cultural, and spiritual formation.
The motto of the college’s athletic department is “for the love of the game and the glory of God.” These six sisters lived up to that motto over their time both playing and studying together, leaving the softball program and the college program as a whole better as a result.