When it comes to sisters growing up together, competition is a constant feature, both spending most of their time vying to be the best. But for Christine and Kathryn Lux, spending their childhoods together has only made them closer.
Senior first baseman Christine Lux and freshman first baseman Kathryn Lux of Glendale Heights, Ill., are playing together again for the first time since high school four years ago, when they teamed up to compete in basketball and softball at Glenbard West H.S.
"She made me feel comfortable on a completely new team with new girls," Kathryn said.
While they both lived at home, Kathryn remembers being the typical younger sister, constantly pestering Christine, and Christine recalls recurring battles over dirty bathrooms.
Despite the fighting, they always worked well together. Christine always set the stage for her younger sister, and while this was always helpful for Kathryn, it made finding her own path difficult.
"For my whole life I have followed directly in her footsteps," Kathryn said. "I was never truly able to make my own name for myself. This bothered me, and I swore that I would do my own thing in college."
But for this pair, one year together as teammates was not enough.
"When we played our last high school game together, I realized that I did not want to be done playing with her. She made such an impact on me that when our high school seasons came to an end, I was devastated," Kathryn remembers.
When Christine left for college, their relationship grew closer than ever, and from there a future at Notre Dame for one final season together became a dream for their family. Kathryn caught the attention of Irish coach Deanna Gumpf, and that dream became a reality.
"I love having Kathryn at Notre Dame with me. I can count on her and I know that she will be there for me whenever I need her, and I will be there for her just the same," Christine said.
Just as she did in high school, Christine has made the adjustment and transition process much smoother for Kathryn.
"Having her at the same school [means] that I have an instant friend here, and it is a major relief knowing that I have someone that will always be there for me, no matter what," Kathryn said.
Both sisters agree that college ball is far more demanding and time consuming, but that only allows them to grow closer and find the best in each other.
"Kathryn is a warrior. She is a hard worker and people can count on her to do her best everyday," Christine said.
Of course, her younger sister had nothing but good words to say as well.
"I see her biggest strength as being a great role model. She is someone I look up to and strive to be like. She has been my rock, and I couldn't have asked for a better big sister," Kathryn said.
With a bond like theirs, this season is sure to be a special one for both the Lux family and the Irish.