Camardo, Catino a winning combo at Buffalo Grove - and beyond

In addition to winning championships on the softball diamond, Buffalo Grove seniors Julia Camardo and Caitlin Catino have also spent a lot of time together off the field.

As longtime friends, they often drive together to practices or fast food restaurants.

In less than three months, the four-year starters will graduate as two of the all-time finest softball players in Bison history.

But that commencement exercise will only mark the start of another four years playing their favorite sport together.

Camardo and Catino have made verbal commitments to play for Wisconsin-Whitewater, where they will be roommates at the Division III school.

"It feels surreal," said Camardo, who has pitched the Bison to back-to-back MSL East crowns. "We've been playing together since the sixth grade and we are so familiar with how each other plays on the field. It's so exciting that we are going to continue to play another four years after high school."

It all started when they first started talking in coach and physical education teacher Kate Renno's homeroom at Thomas Middle School in the sixth grade.

"We were talking about softball," Catino recalled. "We were friends first outside of sports. Then we started playing travel ball together (Elk Grove Heat) going into our freshman year."

Catino was an infielder until Bison coach Jamie Paul needed an outfielder, and Catino proved to be the perfect fit in center field where she made only 1 error last season. Her blazing speed (team-high 16 stolen bases) allows her to get to many shots hit to the gaps.

Offensively, she hit .464 with 11 doubles a triple and 3 homers.

During the season, Camardo suffered a badly bruised eye and swollen jaw and cheek bone from a line drive.

But she missed less than 10 days and came back to win 14 straight games on the mound, ending up with an impressive record of 17-6 with 141 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.46.

She also played a major role with her offense, hitting .375 with 8 doubles and 1 home run.

"We will be looking to their leadership and experience," Paul said. "They've matured so much. It's really been a privilege to watch them grow over the last four years."

Neither can believe how fast the years have gone.

"It's crazy," said Catino, an honor roll student who is leaning toward a major in business. "It's gone by way too fast. It's bittersweet. There's a part of me that wants to get on to playing in college, and a part of me that wants to keep playing right here."

Catino and Camardo are playing for another shot at a conference title this spring.

"I can't believe how fast it's gone and I'm really sad about that," said Camardo, whose older twin sisters Jaclyn and Nicole played hockey for the University of Connecticut. "But I'm really excited because this last season could be our best. We have so much experience with the same core of players back. Hopefully this year we can win the conference."

The Bison have fallen short against West champs Conant and Barrington the last two seasons in the MSL title game.

"Third time the charm?" wondered Camardo. "We want that so bad."

There seems to be nothing bad about Catino and Camardo leading the way.

"They are both four-year starters in their positions and they've been really consistent and solid all the way," Paul said. "They bring a lot of experience and they're really good athletes. Hopefully, that experience and talent will really let them succeed this season.

"They're great friends and for them to get to play together four more years in college will be a great experience for two great kids."

They also can't wait to join their friend and Wheeling senior standout Nikki Mikosz at Whitewater.

Camardo plans to study biology, and then pursue a degree in nursing.

"I would have never guessed I'd end up playing four years in high school (with Catino) and then another four in college," Camardo said. "We've been in a lot of the same classes, too. We just push each other to always do better."

Not many have done better than Camardo on the pitcher's mound the last few years. As a sophomore, she struck out a school-record 181 batters.

"I love pitching," Camardo said. "I like being in control of the game."

Camardo, Catino and the rest of the Bison hope to control the East for a third straight season.

"It's just important to have fun and stay calm this season," said Catino, who led BG with a .465. batting average as a sophomore. "It's our last year and we want to make it a good time. It would be nice to win conference after falling short the last two seasons."