Vidalia softball duo finds strength in one another since youth

Published 12:00 am Monday, March 27, 2017

Where one goes, the other follows.

Every since being placed in the same kindergarten class, Vidalia High School senior softball players Madison Johnston and Katlyn McCarver have been inseparable. Now the duo will end their high school careers as the only two seniors on the Lady Viking roster this season.

“They are just like sisters. They really are,” Vidalia coach Forrest Foster said.

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The pair has moved through multiple positions during their time in uniform, but is now protecting the corner bases. McCarver starts at first base, and Johnston takes her spot as the third baseman.

They are used to playing together, too, after first starting softball at age 7.

“We’ve been through it all,” Johnston said. “It’s amazing that we started together, and now we get to end together.”

Along the way, the senior-set has not only played for the Vikings, but also many summer all-star teams. They have competed in two regional titles, as well as the Vidalia Little League World Series in 2015.

While Foster said they two are equally as talented, they have shockingly different qualities.

“Madison is a pretty bubbly person. You don’t have to worry about what she’s thinking because you can see it,” he said. “Katlyn is very reserved and quiet, however. It’s hard to get her to say a lot, but once she does everyone knows its time to listen. They blend really well together.”

Foster also said he knew he would have to trust both players to take charge during their final season.

Johnston and McCarver have now led the Lady Vikings to a 9-7 record so far this year, including a 4-1 showing in district play.

“I told them coming into this year that it was their team, and I expected them to keep everybody positive, yet controlled,” Foster said. “They have not tolerated much. If they see something, they stop it. The younger girls look up to them.”

And for what makes their bond so special besides the five-minute drive between houses and secret handshake, is the reliability McCarver said.

“I’ve always known if I needed somebody that I could always call her,” she said. “She’s always been there.”

“You don’t have to worry about getting down because she’s going to pull you back up no matter what,” Johnston added about their connection. “I don’t know what I’m going to do when it’s over.”