Coleman's move to varsity made easier by sister

Starting on the varsity team as a freshman takes quite a lot.

It obviously shows a special talent of someone who can compete against athletes two or three years older.

It also takes a special makeup, someone who is confident in their ability and has the mental toughness not to get discouraged.

Katie Coleman has made that jump this year at Batavia, and she has something going for her besides talent and her mental toughness that has helped make the transition smoother.

Her sister Kelly.

With Kelly, a senior, in the infield at second base, and Katie contributing from Day 1 in left field, the Bulldogs are enjoying a strong season in the thick of the Western Sun race with key wins over Burlington Central and Geneva.

"I'm having fun," Katie Coleman said. "I've known all the girls since I was younger and my sister has played with them. It's really fun to play with my sister too."

Katie Coleman wasted no time in showing she had the stuff to be a varsity player, going 3-for-3 in her first game against Sandwich.

Her fast start came as no surprise to her coach Leon Pedraza, who didn't hesistate in getting her in the mix at the varsity level.

"She's been doing a really nice job for us and she's been hitting well at the plate," Pedraza said. "She has been a real nice addition to the varsity team."

Coleman has continued to hit. She's batting .404 with 11 runs, 4 doubles and 5 RBI. Her her older sister is equally impressive, hitting .391 with 10 runs, 9 steals and 5 RBI.

After starting the year hitting at the bottom of the lineup, Coleman has moved up, often battting No. 2 behind her sister in the leadoff spot. In a win over DeKalb, both sisters had 3 hits.

Coleman also has made an impact on the mound as the team's No. 2 pitcher behind Brooke Nelson.

Having an older sister on the team is a big help to Katie in succeding on the mound and at the plate in her first year.

"Kelly being a senior looks out for her younger sister," Pedraza said. "Just having someone on the bench she knows, besides her teammates, knows someone as close as her sister has really helped make her feel more comfortable."

Katie Coleman hasn't struggled much this year but when she does she knows right where to turn.

"If I'm down on myself she'll pick me up," Katie Coleman said. "She's really easy to talk to about stuff."

It's been just as fun for the older Coleman as the younger.

"I am so proud of her," Kelly Coleman said. "Her first couple games she came out and did really good. Now she is just trying to get in the groove pitching. She knows we are all here supporting her. It is definitely fun."

Her teammates see that same kind of relationship. Katie Luetkens, who has bashed three home runs, has seen that for years.

Knowing all Kelly's friends, like Luetkens, has made it easier for Katie to fit right in.

"Kelly is always positively encouraging her and it's just a great relaetionship," Luetkens said.

"She's (Katie) come out so on top and she's so confident and she goes for it all the time. She wants to help out the team in any way she can and she definitely does. She's a great player."