For UNK junior softball players Zaria Brigham and Zakayia Fredrick, what began as a simple conversation before their freshman year at Texas A&M International quickly turned into something much bigger.
A FaceTime call between the two when they discovered they were not just future teammates, but also family.
“Zakayia said she’s from Belton (Texas), and I have family there,” Brigham said. “We started talking and realized we were related. That’s when everything kind of clicked.”
From that moment, their relationship grew beyond the field. Continuing to build a relationship that included family gatherings, trips and constant support of each other through the highs and lows.
“That’s my sister,” Brigham said. “We support each other through everything, even on our worst days.”
While their connection now defines their story, both players took different paths into softball.
Fredrick began playing at 5 years old after trying multiple sports before finding her place in the game. Brigham picked up softball at eight, influenced by her brother’s involvement in travel baseball.
As their careers developed, both faced the challenges that come with growing in a competitive sport, something that ultimately strengthened their commitment. The time and effort invested made it difficult to walk away.
At the collegiate level, those challenges only intensified.
Brigham, an outfielder, battled through a dislocated shoulder during her sophomore season, along with a slump at the plate. The experience tested her confidence and forced her to rely on her support system.
“What pushed me through was my friends,” Brigham said. “Just knowing at least one person believed in me was really all I needed to keep going.”
Fredrick, who developed into a pitcher after starting her career as an infielder, said the mental side of pitching has been one of her biggest challenges.
“I had to believe in myself,” Fredrick said. “That kind of lit a fire under me to keep going.”
That shared understanding of adversity has helped strengthen their bond both on and off the field.
After time at Texas A&M International, both entered the transfer portal and ultimately landed at UNK, allowing them to continue their careers together.
The transition has led to significant growth for both players. Brigham said the move has been one of the best decisions she has made, while Fredrick pointed to her increased confidence and enjoyment of the game.
“This is the most fun I have had playing a sport in a long time,” Fredrick said.
One of the defining moments of the season came during a trip to California, where the team faced top competition and found its rhythm early in the year.
“We just did not have a care in the world,” Fredrick said. “We played so well and it helped us win games.”
Beyond the highlights, both players emphasized the reality of being a college athlete, balancing academics, travel, and the constant demands of competition.
“We are constantly grinding and trying to upkeep our lives,” Brigham said. “There is so much pressure, especially moving far from home.”
As the season continues, both remain focused on growth and consistency while continuing to support each other through the challenges that come with the sport.
For Brigham and Fredrick, what started as a coincidence at Texas A&M International has turned into something much more meaningful. Their journey is not just about softball, but about family, resilience and a bond that continues to grow both on and off the field.
