FREE STATE HIGH SENIOR LIVI ABNEY has parlayed a strong varsity career with the Firebirds - including a batting average above .400 and a perfect fielding percentage at second base during her senior season - into a softball scholarship at the University of Wisconsin.

Last fall, Livi Abney suffered a stomach ulcer during a club softball trip to California. The Free State High senior had to be taken to the UCLA Medical Center.

She didn’t get out of the hospital until 4 a.m. But doctors gave Abney the news she wanted to hear.

“I still played the next day and hit a grand slam to win the game,” Abney said. “It was crazy.”

Abney said the bacteria from the ulcer wasn’t present anymore.

The grand slam was remarkable in itself, with several scouts in attendance to elevate Abney’s name on their reports.

Abney said University of Wisconsin softball coach Chandelle Schulte once drove numerous hours overnight just to watch her practice. Such dedication proved to be mutual – Abney will play softball for the Badgers next season.

Abney, who bats third for Free State coach Pam Pine, has obvious Div. I ability. Look no farther than her .469 batting average, .688 slugging percentage and seven doubles. Her 16 RBIs lead the Sunflower League. She hasn’t committed an error at second base all season for the Firebirds (11-1).

Has second base always been your position?

Actually, I’ve always played shortstop. Freshman year, I played shortstop and right field for Free State. I have a sidearm, so I can throw it in all slots, so it’s just pretty natural there. I played second base my sophomore year.

Your dad, Steve, is a scout for the Cleveland Indians. He also used to be a pitching coach for Kansas University. What kind of effect has he had on your athletic career?

He helps me with the mental aspect of the game and keeps me grounded. A lot of people think, ‘Oh, well your dad probably makes you go hit all the time.’ But I have to ask him to go hit. He’s told me he’s seen way too many people get burned out by their parents or by their coaches. If I were to quit softball today, he’d be a little disappointed, but if that was my choice, he would support me. It’s the same with my mom (Cheryl). My mom is my biggest fan, for sure.

What made you choose Wisconsin?

It was between that and Illinois. Initially, I went on my Illinois visit first and I thought I was going to go there. There wasn’t really any question. I loved it there, but my parents suggested I should keep my options open. So I went to Wisconsin and within the first couple hours, I was like, ‘This is it.’ I think you just get the feeling. And it’s the Big Ten, so it made sense academically.

What position will you play for the Badgers?

They have some spots in the infield open. I’m thinking probably second, third or outfield – but probably second.

You’re hitting third in the lineup this season. Have you always hit in a power spot?

Actually, I’ve hit first in all my other years at Free State. I liked it because I could get things started. But we talked about (sophomores) Rosie and Maggie (Hull), and if they got going, they could be the first hitters, so I could be third and start hitting them in. I like the change. When we got to regionals and state last year, I moved to third. I like having people on base when I get up to bat.

What’s it like playing with your twin sister, Brooke?

We’ve played together my whole life, so sometimes we get on each other’s nerves. But I also think when she does well and is successful, it’s really gratifying for me. Brooke and I were given the option either to do dance or tee-ball in like first grade. She picked dance and I picked tee-ball.

Free State has three pair of twin sisters on the roster – you and Brooke, Maggie and Rosie Hull, and Megan and Emily Smith. How confusing is that in practice?

It’s weird because half of our team has the same last names. Last year when Maggie and Rosie came, no one could tell them apart. They’re a lot alike. But Brooke and I are such opposites. Sometimes, people don’t even know we’re related. We don’t look like twins at all – we look like sisters. Our personalities are completely different, especially on the field. I’m really intense and she’s more laid back. The Smiths are young and kind of shy. We all get along, but if you had to pick the ones who fight the most, it’s definitely me and Brooke.