Stone Bridge's Dynamic Duo Anchors Infield
ASHBURN, VA - When opposing softball coaches in the Northern Region look at Stone Bridge's lineup card, they might have to do a double take. At first glance, there would appear to be a typo with the name Prince showing up twice. But after this season, few coaches will need to ask for clarification again.
Cori and Niki Prince are sisters, and just so happen to be the middle infielders for the Lady Bulldogs as well. Cori is the team's junior shortstop and leadoff hitter, and Niki is a freshman second baseman that just very well might have been the toughest out in the Liberty District this spring at the plate.
One of them enjoys pizza, and the other prefers wings, but what each of them has in common is their love for anchoring the infield for the Lady Bulldogs.
"I started playing softball when I was 6," said Cori. "I love playing shortstop because I believe it is one of the harder positions on the field, and I think I have good speed and range to play shortstop. It's fun to challenge myself on the field."
"The thing I love most about second base is turning the double play," said Niki.
The Prince Sisters have been double trouble all year long for Stone Bridge's opposition. They both have played tremendous defense, and have also put up big numbers at the plate. Cori has hit an impressive .440 on the season thus far, but amazingly, that doesn't lead the team.
Little sister Niki has that honor, as she's hit .485 as just a 9th grader, and .500 in Liberty District play. But don't ask the younger Prince what her average is, because she probably doesn't pay too much attention to it.
"I did not know I was leading the team until someone told me," said Niki. "I just play. I focus on what I have to do and try my hardest to get it done. This year I don't think I have exceeded my own expectations because I set the bar high, so I always have something to work hard for all the time."
Teammates describe Niki as all business, and Cori as a fun-loving outgoing person that just enjoys making everyone happy. Cori has blond hair, and Niki has dark hair. Their two personalities and appearances may be different, but don't be fooled, this dynamic duo is completely in sync on the field of play.
"It's a great thing because we play so well together and we know each other's strengths and weaknesses," said Cori. "We also know what works and what doesn't, and we can help each other with tips to do better."
"It's an advantage because I know what she can do and what she is going to do on the next play," said Niki.
While the Prince girls are busy doing their best to help the Bulldogs make the state tournament, they have found a little time to compete with one another too, just like most sisters do.
"Niki and I have more of a rivalry than anything else," said Cori. "We always try to do better than the other one in everything that we can make a competition."
"Cori and I have a little rivalry, but it is fun and it makes us work that much harder," said Niki.
The Prince name isn't unfamiliar to the Stone Bridge family, as brother Michael starred for the Bulldogs on the football and baseball field before graduating in 2008. He now plays football at JMU.
Cori and Niki's father Kevin is a freshman football coach for the Bulldogs, and their mother Kim is one of the most active volunteers for the Stone Bridge booster club.
Both girls were quick to credit their parents with being their biggest inspirations in their athletic careers.
"My parents are the most inspirational people in my athletic career, because they are pushing me to do my best and are always there for my games. They get mad when they can't make it," said Niki.
"It is a tough choice between my mom and dad, because the both have raised me very well," said Cori. "They introduced me to two sports that I love. They have pushed me to become the best player I could be. They had pushed me hard enough to the point where I knew I could achieve my greatness. I love them both and they mean so much to me."
When the two talented sisters aren't playing softball, you can find them working on their game on the hardwood. Cori was a starter for the Lady Bulldog basketball team this past winter, and Niki also saw significant playing time.
However, for Cori, her future appears to be on the diamond. George Mason University and several other college programs have expressed an interest in the shortstop after watching her this spring.
She's established herself as a leader for the Lady Bulldogs, often times getting on base when her team needs a score the most. She's a fantastic hitter at the leadoff spot for Coach Richard Sullivan, and her swing combined with her speed make her a major college prospect
"Cori is one of the faster players in the region," said Sullivan before a recent game against McLean. "She's really turned into a great leader for us, and has a bright future in this sport at the next level if she keeps working hard."
When asked about what she would like to study in school, Cori said her heart lies with becoming a teacher.
"Well I love kids and I am hoping to become an elementary school teacher. Early childhood education would be a great career for me."
Niki still has plenty of time to decide on college and which sport she loves the most, but she did say that she has an equal passion for basketball and softball.
"In basketball I love running around the court getting after people, and the pace of the game is awesome," said Niki. "In softball my favorite thing is the competition of the game."
With both sisters pushing each other to perform better and better, the future is looking bright for the Stone Bridge softball team. The Bulldogs only have two seniors this year, and several underclassman have received extensive playing time this spring.
And with Cori and Niki Prince anchoring the middle infield, Stone Bridge could become the team to beat in the Northern Region in the very near future.
