Speaking of Sports Column Archive

Speaking
of
Sports

by
Bernie
Fratto

Sister Act

Success is peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
- John Wooden

4/10/2006

Novi seniors Katie and Kellie Walker are alike in so many ways. First, they are both members of the Wildcat’s 2005 Women’s Soccer State Championship team. They are both midfielders, both captains, and even their numbers are right next to each other as they wear #9 and #10 respectively.

But, the Walker’s are more than just sisters. They are identical twins. They are identical in their appearance, but also in their maturity, poise, and mutual love and respect for each other.

They are aggressive and hardworking, and they combined for 26 goals last season, which greatly contributed to the success of the team. Their efforts earned them the opportunity to attend Western Kentucky University next season, and they will get a chance to play soccer at the Division I level.

Nestled in the heart of Bowling Green, Kentucky, they’ll compete in the prestigious Sun Belt Conference. Coach Jason Neidell’s Hilltoppers also host the annual ‘Battle of the Bluegrass’ tournament each spring, an event that Western Kentucky recently won.

The prospect of playing in college is an endeavor that provides lifetime memories as well as teaching lessons that can be applied for the rest of our lives. To do it with your twin sister makes it all the more special.

“We have always wanted to play college soccer, it was our goal to play in college, going to college together will be great because we will always have each other’s support. In fact I can’t imagine going away to college without her.”

These are just some brief thoughts they shared, and they are completely synchronized in their approach, outlook, and support for each other.

Very athletic in their own right, Katie and Kellie Walker also participated in other sports growing up like volleyball, basketball, and softball, but they freely admit, that, “soccer was always first priority and first love.”

For all the memories and accomplishments, they are quick to point out that “Winning the State Championship in high school was the best yet.”

Given their dedication, commitment and focus, it looks like their best is yet to come.

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Bernie Fratto is a freelance writer, radio personality, and motivational speaker. His passion for sports comes in part from his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand. "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings" said Fratto. "These athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also on the broadcast team at Live 97.1FM talk-radio, and is a frequent co-host on the popular "Parker & The Man Show," a nightly sportstalk show which airs Monday-Friday from 7-11pm.