DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Sisters and former members of the Anderson University softball team have the unique opportunity to go toe-toe against each other when the top-seeded Nighthawks of North Georgia play the fourth-seeded Trojans in the NCAA Southeast Regionals.
Abby Child is in her fourth season as an assistant coach with the Trojans, while younger sister Molly Child is in her third year as a Nighthawk assistant coach.
To Abby and Molly, it is just another day in the ballpark and they will be laser focused on their respective teams and responsibilities and will wait to poke at each other following the outcome of the game. For father Tim Child, he could not be more proud of both of his daughters and will cherish the memories from this weekend.
"It was such a privilege to have my daughters play college softball together for a competitive program like Anderson, said Child. "And, now to have them continue to live out their softball passions as coaches at two of the top programs in the country is simply amazing. They are sisters and best friends. They both knew the day would probably come when they had to coach against each other. So, no matter the result, I know they will make themselves and each other proud!"
Both Abby (2010-2014) and Molly Child (2012-2016) had stellar careers while at Anderson University. During Abby's time at AU she helped lead the Trojans to their first regular season conference championship, tournament championship and NCAA appearance. The Black and Gold also enjoyed their highest national ranking (12th). Abby was voted MVP and was a team captain three of her four years donning the Black and Gold. She garnered multiple awards which included All-SAC Player of the Year, All-SAC, All-Region, Tournament MVP and All-American.
Upon graduation, Abby held the SAC and Anderson career record for home runs (47), RBI, runs scored, walks, on base percentage and slugging percentage. She also led the nation in walks, being walked over 30% of her at bats. To cap off her career, she was named Anderson's 2014 Female Athlete of the Year.
Not to be out done, Molly started all 220 games from her freshman year through year senior season and was a three-time First Team All-South Atlantic Conference selection. She received All-Southeast Region honors in her sophomore and junior campaigns. In her sophomore year, Molly was named a Daktronics All-American with a .405 clip at the plate that included 13 doubles, 14 home runs, and 53 runs batted in.
Just as Abby, Molly's name is peppered all through-out the Anderson University All-Time record book. Within their friendly rivalry, Molly was able to overtake Abby's numbers in several different categories, but couldn't quite top Abby in all of them. That competitive drive and spirit they both share will be ever present Thursday midday, when the two sisters go head-to-head from opposite dugouts. But once the final out is made and despite the outcome, these two will embrace and continue to support each other and make each other better.
