Union University softball Players, Zoey and Macey Neal manage to remain best friends while also competing at the collegiate level and studying the same major.
The two sisters live surprisingly similar lives. Both are studying exercise science and having similar success on the field. The Neal sisters are both hitters who have played sports together their whole lives.
“We always schedule the same classes together,” junior shortstop Macey Neal said. “People are like ‘I wouldn’t want to be in the same classes as my sister or brother’ but we like each other.”
Macey began her collegiate athletic career at UT Martin. While Macey was playing there, Zoey would visit nearly every weekend. The two would travel to watch each other’s ballgames which contributed to the joyous excitement they felt when Macey transferred to Union University last year.
“I mostly wanted to come here just to play with her honestly,” Macey said.
Last year, Zoey, a first baseman and catcher, tore her UCL (an elbow injury) while throwing at practice, which required Tommy John surgery and caused her to redshirt her freshman season.
“I was kinda disappointed when she got hurt,” Macey said. “I wanted to come here and be able to play on a team with her, but she was still there all the time.”
Thus far, this season has redeemed the time lost together on the field. The sisters have both been hitting and finding great success. During their game against Kentucky Wesleyan, the two hit back to back homeruns.
“Our chemistry has probably gotten a lot stronger and that is good to have on the team,” Zoey said. “Playing with [Macey] is probably the best part about being at Union. I like the environment our team has. Our whole team is pretty close and us being sisters makes it even better.”
The Neal sisters grew up in Dyer, Tenn., where they competed together not only in softball but also in basketball, volleyball and cross country.
“Macey and Zoey are incredible siblings,” softball assistant coach Mark Ritchhart said. “Incredible meaning that they set a wonderful example of friendship to all that have a sibling. They genuinely show and speak love for one another and are quick to celebrate successes or be the first to respond if the other is in need. These two are very close and very funny!”
Ritchhart has coached numerous sisters throughout his 28 years of coaching softball, including his own daughters; however, the Neal sisters’ friendship stands out.
“Whenever our coaches are putting partners together we are always like ‘I hope it’s Zoey’ and if we it is, we are like ‘YES’!” Macey said.
“Zoey is an absolute hoot to listen to and often has the team laughing,” Ritchhart said. “She is a hard worker on the field and in the classroom. Macey is usually found with a smile on her face. She is quick to see the glass half full and is caring to all, young and old.”
Last season, Macey played in 43 games with the team’s highest batting average of a .344. She also had 45 hits, including seven doubles, two triples, and three home runs and 20 RBI. She has begun this season as GSC Player of the Week for the week of Feb. 6-12 . Zoey has also been finding quick success returning this season from the UCL injury with 13 hits, including 1 double, 1 triple and 3 home runs.
“They relate to one another by their support and encouragement,” Ritchhart said. “They want to be around each other. They relate on the softball field, because they are both extremely talented on both sides of the ball (offense and defense). They relate in how they are very good teammates with the other girls, as well as how they lovingly treat their mother who comes to nearly every game whether home or away.”
Macey and Zoey set an example of what it truly means to love well both on and off the field. Their connection helps unify the team and inspires positive friend, daughter, sister and teammate relationships.
“Over the years sometimes it isn’t much fun coaching sisters, but it sure has been a blast coaching the Neal sisters,” Ritchhart said. “Probably the most fun is watching them relate to one another and see the depth of their many years together. It truly is wonderful to experience, and we are certainly thrilled that both have chosen to be student athletes at Union University!”