The crack of the bat, the smell of the fresh mowed grass, the overwhelming emotion of being a part of something bigger than yourself. These are just a few of the things that make softball a way of life for senior twins Jacque and Jess Adams. As the softball team continues to celebrate win after win this season, the girls are also looking forward to playing at the University of Louisiana Lafayette as part of the Ragin Cajun softball team.

“The big thing, whenever we were recruited, was that we needed to be together,” Jess said. “We are a close family and it would be difficult to be at two different colleges, so we knew we wanted to play together.” 

The girls are glad that their plans worked out in their favor so they will be able to play college softball alongside one another.

 “Going to college and playing softball with my sister is the best thing ever,” Jacque said. “It’s something we always wanted. I didn’t want to be separated from her because we have always been together and on the same team.”

Both girls started their softball careers at the age of four and they have been playing ever since.

“Softball is a life-long sport and is something I’ve always cherished,” Jacque said. “I was pretty much born on the field because I have older twin sisters that played and we would travel with them.”

Jacque’s main position is first base, but as of last year, she took on the catcher position to work with her sister on each pitch. In addition to her advancement athletically, she has also grown into a leader for the team.

“I have developed a lot since freshman year,” Jacque said. “I have taken charge and become captain and started really leading the team.”

Jaque and Jess’ coach, Enrique Luna, has witnessed the girls’ hard-work, talent, and leadership and its impact on the team.

“Both girls have become vocal leaders on the team,” Luna said. “Jacque has taken the lead behind the plate and does a great job teaching our younger catchers. Jess has complete control of her pitches and has really developed into the school’s best all-time pitcher.”

 Looking back at her previous years in high school, Jess is able to recognize her growth and development on the field and in her mindset.

“I know that from freshman year to now, mentally and physically I have changed,” Jess said. “That’s just part of the game, you grow with the game and learn every year.”

Jess currently holds the records for career RBIs, career doubles, career home runs, career total bases, career slugging percentage, career pitching wins, career strikeouts, season RBIs, and season home runs.

“One of my best memories from this year is when my sister and I were tied for the number of career home runs, and then I broke it first,” Jess said. “It was also a big accomplishment to win district since that is something I’ve wanted to do since freshman year.” 

Jacque is proud of the team too for having a perfect record through district play in the past two years. She’s also proud of  herself for her personal achievements including:career defensive put-outs, season defensive putouts, and second for career home runs.

“I’m most proud of breaking the record of put-outs with over 820,” Jacque said. “I am also having fun competing with my sister for the number of homeruns.”

Jacque is excited to continue her advancement in the sport as she goes off to college, but she’s also being careful to keep her education a priority.

“I hope to keep academics and athletics on the same level,” Jacque said. “Softball is going to be a majority of my day, but I want to do my best to keep them balanced.”

Luna recognizes and values the way the girl’s hard work and positive attitudes have impacted the team throughout the years.

“Jess and Jacque lead by example,” Luna said. “They work hard to fine tune their skills and show our younger players a fantastic work ethic and have set the bar high for this team and future teams as well.”

Luna is proud of the sisters for their accomplishments throughout their high school years and is excited to see what their future holds.

“Jacque and Jess have been such a huge part of our program over the last four years,” Luna said. “This year, we have been able to sit back and enjoy every bit of their last ride wearing navy and silver. We are excited for their future, but are glad they continue to lead us through the playoffs.”