When given the opportunity to split up, twin sisters Kate and Libby Pfeffer decided to stick together. The Pfeffers still play together at Wright State after spending their high school years at Northmont together.
“I think it was just a great choice for both of us. We didn’t sell ourselves as a package deal when we were getting recruited, but I think the whole time we both knew that we wanted to go to the same school,” WSU catcher Kate Pfeffer said.
Growing up, softball and baseball were a staple for the Pfeffers with their aunt being a coach and most of their cousins playing softball and baseball.
“Our whole family is sports-oriented, and that’s a big bond that we all have. We have cousins that play football, but we’re the first softball collegiate athletes,” said Libby Pfeffer, the Raiders’ starting second baseman.
The Pfeffers push each other competitively, during practices and in the classroom.
“I think just having each other, we always have someone to go out and throw with or go out and front toss to us or hit us ground balls. If one of us didn’t want to go out and practice than the other would be like, ‘We’re going outside,'” Libby Pfeffer said.
Though Kate is a second baseman and Libby is a catcher, that does not stop them from learning from each other on the field.
“I think she’s interested in learning what I know at second base, and I’m always interested to hear what she’s learning when she’s catching. It’s a good mix,” Kate Pfeffer said.
When the Pfeffers arrived at WSU, Kate would often speak for Libby, but they’ve started to develop their own voices, according to head coach Lynn Curylo.
“Because they play two different positions I get to work with them in two different positions,” Curylo said. “It’s nice to see them have their own voice sometimes and see the strength that Libby does have in terms of her opinion and what she thinks is right.”
Libby Pfeffer leads WSU in key offensive categories with 13 homeruns and a .345 average. Though she might be known more as the natural athlete, playing collegiate softball can be a grind no matter how athletic a person is, according to Curylo.
“Some of the greatest moments I like to see are even somebody like Libby who’s been known to be such excellent athlete in high school to be challenged and see her work through it when she’s so used to seeing things come naturally,” Curylo said.
Kate Pfeffer proved she was capable of being a threat in box for WSU with the team’s second-best hitting average at .333 last season.
“What I like to see Kate do is when she does learn that advanced skill it’s nice to see her be proud that she was able to accomplish it,” Curylo said. “She’s able to raise her game as well.”
The Pfeffers look to be dual contributors and help carry Wright State, which was selected finish first in the Horizon League this season, to the NCAA Tournament.
