By Shannon Blankenship | Sports Editor

From tee-ball to college softball, senior catcher Hailey Burdick is finishing out her career the way it started: with her sister.

While her inspiration came from her mother and growing up watching the New York Yankees play, the biggest factor was her sister Jodie starting at the same time.

“My earliest memory is was the first time I hit a home run. When I got to go all the way around, my sister was the first one waiting for me,” Hailey said.

Jodie was by her side the entire time. The year differ- ence between the two separated them for the first time in their careers. After Hailey graduated high school, she went to Corning Community College (CCC). Jodie followed in her sisters footsteps and joined her at CCC. Hailey played two seasons at CCC before transfering to Brockport. Jodie finished her time with CCC and planned on not continuing with the sport. However, with some slight persuasion from Hailey, Jodie transferred to Brockport.

Hailey says that playing alongside her sister has been the best part of softball.

“I just didn’t want her to cut herself short. I’m really glad she chose here. I just wanted her to be here so we finish that out,” Hailey said.

For Jodie, the feeling of comfort and excitement of playing with her sister is mutual.

“Playing with Hailey made everything so much easier,” Jodie said. “Every team I’ve ever been on I would have my best friend along with me. We’ve always had a bond since we were younger, even before sports. I feel like playing with her was a motivation to want to succeed and be the best athlete I could be to make her proud.”

The connection the Burdick sisters have is one that they feel separates them from the rest. Their careers consist of being each other’s biggest competitors and biggest supporters. Jodie says that she always wanted to make Hailey proud.

“I could never imagine starting softball withour her because I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today and I wish that it would never end,” Jodie said. “It’s going to be a tough pill to swallow when things are done forever and reality sets in, but I know that I’ll have her as not only my sister, but my best friend by my side.”

They thought there was no better way to complete their careers than the way they started it— together.