NATCHEZ — Trinity Episcopal Day School’s Madison Burgess and Addison Jackson didn’t become best friends because of their similar first names.

They did, however, bond over their shared enthusiasm for softball.

Nine-year-olds Burgess and Jackson shared that joy mid-June when they stayed in the Louisiana State University dorms at a Beth Torina LSU softball camp.

Both Burgess and Jackson were elated to spend time with the LSU softball coach.

“She was always smiling,” Burgess said. “She’s very nice and very friendly. She encouraged us, and if we did something wrong, she would help us get better.”

Burgess said she would go around to different groups for 15 minutes at a time, helping each camp participant improve their technique.

Jackson’s favorite drill at the camp was the “box and fire.”

“It’s a drill where you throw the ball,” Jackson said. “You take a few steps, aim and then you throw.”

Burgess paid special attention to any throwing advice, as she’s moving up to fast pitch next season and wants to pitch.

“It was really fun to have the softball players and coaches help us with our technique,” Burgess said. “They were teaching me how to pitch, even though I’m not at that level yet.”

The four-day camp began each day early with a 7:30 a.m. breakfast and after drills, lessons, eating breaks and even a movie break, the day would culminate in a scrimmage at 10:30 p.m., where same age groups would scrimmage against each other.

Both tiring and beneficial, Burgess, who participated in her second LSU softball camp, and Jackson, who completed her third year at the camp, both said they couldn’t wait to go back next year.

“I get tired, but I just love it,” Jackson said.

Until then, the best friend duo will keep trying to enhance their skills in local youth softball leagues, Burgess in Vidalia and Jackson in Natchez.