Arguably one of the most important relationships in the sports world is that between a pitcher and a catcher. Communication is key, and chemistry is a must.
For UCLA Club Softball pitcher and catcher duo Monica and Monique Tudon, this is not a problem.
"The dynamic between pitcher and catcher requires a lot of communication–you really have to have a good relationship with each other," said senior catcher Monique Tudon. "I am giving her the signs, and she is trusting me that I know what I'm doing. I think we have an upper-hand against other pitcher-catcher relationships because we know each other so well."
Monique and Monica are not just sisters; they are twins. It seemed only fitting, then, that they grew up playing the same sport. With both twins being accepted at UCLA, Monique and Monica were able to continue their strong pitcher-catcher dynamic together in college.
"Having softball as an outlet has been pretty nice because it has been part of my whole life," said senior pitcher Monica Tudon. "So it's nice to have something familiar. Even though we do go to UCLA together, both of our schedules are very different, so having softball as an outlet where we can both spend time together playing a sport we both love has been beneficial."
Monica is a sociology major who plans to attend nursing school after graduation. As her college career comes to an end, she hopes to obtain her Certified Nursing Assistant certification and become a nurse in the neonatal unit. Monique, an English major, also has a passion for children. However she plans to put this passion into practice as a film animator, where she hopes to make television products that children can enjoy and watch.
Of course, neither Monique nor Monica thought their college journeys would end this way. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UCLA has made the transition to online classes for the remainder of the quarter. This unfortunately also means an abrupt end to their senior season with UCLA Club Softball.
"I just think about the last game I played," Monique said. "I didn't want it to be my last game, but it actually was. And I had no idea."
While she admitted she was happy with the way she played, Monique wished her final collegiate game had more closure. Or at least, the opportunity for her family to watch her and her sister play one last time.
Yet despite this unfortunate end to the season, the twins have still continued to play catch and practice softball on their own during the quarantine. They also have been staying busy by spending more time with family doing activities such as games, puzzles, and even taking turns making dinner. And of course, online classes and studying have now been keeping them busy as well.
Even after this crazy time that we are all living in comes to pass, Monique and Monica still foresee softball being a part of their future. Both expressed an interest in coaching somewhere down the line.
"I'd eventually want to coach in the future, whether it be for my own nieces or nephews or for my own kids," Monica said. "I can't imagine a future without it."
No matter where the future takes them, UCLA Competitive Sports wishes Monique and Monica all the best in their future endeavors. Thank you both for your commitment to our program. We know you will both go far!
