Kowalski Sisters Team Up for Mercy Softball

The Kowalski sisters, Jessica (left) and Catherine (right), have been playing together for over 10 years.

DOBBS FERRY, NY - The tying run was rounding third as the Saints' center fielder Catherine Kowalski got to the ball, she fired home to catcher Jessica Kowalski who made a diving tag to nab the runner at the plate to end the game. The Kowalski sisters at age 11 and 12 won the championship on an undefeated team and created one of many great sisterly memories on the softball field.

Jessica, 19, and Catherine, 18, have been playing together since third and fourth grade and have done it again this year at Mercy College. In the process, the sisters have formed tremendous on-field chemistry that has helped them through the years.

"It was like we knew what the other was thinking when someone was stealing. I would cover and she would know exactly where to throw it so I could make the tag," Catherine said.

At Half Hollow Hills East High School, Catherine played shortstop and batted third, while Jessica caught and hit clean-up. Luckily, they never had to compete for a position because according to Jessica, they are both quite stubborn.

Being sisters they tend to be harder on each other than their other teammates would be. "We have no problem telling each other what we are doing wrong or when one of us is having an off day," Jessica said.

Their parents have been of great inspiration to both of them. Their mother played in high school and on an 18 over team as a catcher.

"She coached us a few years when we were little. She's always telling us how we can get better. She pushed us so we could be good enough to play in college," Jessica said.

Their father, who passed away four years ago, coached them while they played for the Bandits and kept stats for the team.

"When I was on the Saints we would play at a field by my house and he would wake up at 6:00 a.m. to go make sure the field was ready. If it had rained he would put bags of Qwik-Dry on the field just so we can get our games in," Jessica said. "In eighth grade when I made varsity he would come watch all of my practices and games on top of a hill in right field. When he died in my freshman year I played as if he were still watching me on that hill."

The Kowalski sisters have been through a lot together, but fortunately they have tons of support as they have five sisters and four brothers (10 altogether). Catherine is part of one of three sets of twins in the family.

"We have a big family but it's great. We will always have someone there for us," Catherine said.

In their hometown of Melville, NY they are both members of the Suffolk County Police 2nd Precinct Explorers since they were 14. They were also in the Melville Fire Department Juniors for four years. Jessica is now a full member, Catherine plans to do the same when she graduates from college.

Both have thrived at Mercy College in athletics and academics. Catherine is the Mavericks' starting shortstop and is tied for the team lead with three home runs. Jessica has proved to be a vital contributor as well, as Head Coach Jacqui Huffman utilizes her speed and superior defensive skills.

After over 10 years of softball, the Kowalski sisters have added more memorable moments together in the Mercy Blue & White.