REGINA, Sask. — Olivia Sigmeth arrived at her first varsity softball practice with something to prove.
She had just started taking university classes and was adjusting to a demanding schedule and wondering how she would measure up against more experienced players on the Cougars’ squad. The one thing she could count on was across the diamond, someone who knew her well enough to recognize when she was up and when she was down – her older sister, Rhyan.
I feel like when it’s your sibling, you want them to do exceptionally well. — Rhyan Sigmeth, U of R Cougars pitcher and Faculty of Education student
“She understands me more than my other teammates, so she knows if I’m off, which is helpful,” says Olivia.
But Olivia’s natural talent for the game would not let her down. Before long, the hits started coming, Olivia was getting on base, connecting with her teammates, and began to feel that she belonged.
“It just showed me that I can do it and that I deserve to be here,” she says.
That early confidence grew into a strong rookie season. The Cougars outfielder finished the regular season with a .483 batting average, the highest in the Western Collegiate Softball Association (WCSA).
“Her ability to make solid contact and produce offensively made her a valuable part of our batting lineup,” says Morgan Green, the team’s head coach.
For Olivia, university softball was just one part of a bigger adjustment. High school had come easily. University brought new academic expectations, demanding training, and weekends away competing.
Some days, she went straight from classes to a three-hour practice. Travel to tournaments became time to catch up on assignments.
When it felt like a lot, she reminded herself what the opportunity offered.
“I would remind myself how lucky I am that I get to do this and have this experience,” she says.
Olivia is considering a future in dentistry or dental hygiene. Choosing the U of R allowed her to further her education close to family and continue competing in softball at a high level. Having Rhyan on the team helped make the decision easier.
“It’s nice having an older sister to kind of guide you,” says Olivia.
Three years older, Rhyan understands the importance of feeling comfortable where you study and play.
After two years studying and playing at Valley City State University in North Dakota, she returned home and joined the Cougars. Now in her second season with the team, she is pursuing an education degree with the goal of teaching elementary school.
This fall also brought recognition for the hard work she had put into her game during the off season. At the WCSA championships in Calgary on October 3–4, Rhyan received Top Pitcher and Most Outstanding Player awards, along with First Team All-Star honours as a pitcher.
She recorded 109 regular-season strikeouts, nearly twice that of her nearest rival.
For Green, Rhyan’s influence went beyond her on-field performance.
“Her competitive nature and willingness to put in the work set the standard for the team,” she says. “She led by example, earning the respect of her teammates and opponents.”
Rhyan had hoped for the all-star selection but receiving two major awards as well was unexpected. What stayed with her was the response – teammates celebrating, Olivia sharing her excitement, and opponents approaching with congratulations and hugs.
“To get those, it just feels like all my hard work was noticed,” she says.
The Cougars finished sixth among eight teams at the championships. Although disappointing, the sisters can each point to progress worth carrying into next season.
They have been encouraging each other since childhood, when their dad tossed balls and they took turns hitting and fielding.
Today, Rhyan admires Olivia’s speed, powerful throwing arm, and outgoing personality. Olivia sees the drive behind her sister’s love of softball.
In addition to sharing the field, the Sigmeth sisters also share a healthy dose of support for one another.
“You obviously always want your teammates to do well,” says Rhyan. “But I feel like when it’s your sibling, you want them to do exceptionally well.”
