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Batey twins pick Asbury

By DAN HOPWOOD, Sports Editor

Wednesday, October 8, 2008 12:41 AM EDT

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Mason County High School soccer standouts Rebecca and Jessica Batey are going to continue their careers together at Asbury College.

The twins made their announcement Tuesday in a ceremony in the school library with family, friends and teammates in attendance.

"I'm very pleased they've decided to take their game to the next level," said Lady Royals coach Joe McKay. "The come from a very supportive family."

Jessica Batey is Mason County's all-time scoring leader in soccer. She scored her 100th goal this season, which is one of the best totals in Kentucky history. As a freshman, she set the school record for goals in a season with 39.

Rebecca Batey is a defensive specialist and has been credited with seven assists this season.

Both girls also play on the Royals football team as kickers. Jessica kicks extra points and field goals. Rebecca specializes in kickoffs. Jessica tied a school record on Sept. 12 when she made nine extra-point kicks in the Royals' 69-0 victory against Lewis County. She has since moved into second place on the school kick-scoring list.

But the girls said their college choice was based on their desire to continue their soccer careers instead of football.

"We wanted to play college soccer together ever since we started," Jessica said.

They were recruited by large colleges and small ones before deciding upon Asbury, which is located in Wilmore. The twins said they also considered Iowa, Central Michigan and Hiram.

Asbury coach Paul Nesselroade said he was "absolutely thrilled to sign them." He said Asbury wants to be a regional and national power in soccer. The Eagles have won the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title the past two years.

Rebecca said that playing college soccer close to home was "one of the factors that influenced our decision." She liked the idea that her family will get to see her play. She also joked that being close to home might also be helpful in getting her laundry done.

Once they get to college, the Bateys could find their roles changing on the soccer field. The twins both play on a select soccer team in Cincinnati, where they have played other positions than they do with the Royals. For instance, Jessica, the high scoring forward for Mason County, plays defense on her select team.

Nesselroade likes this versatility.

"It offers me a lot of flexibility," the coach said.

The twins, who make A's and B's in advanced placement classes, said they planned to study pre-medicine in college.

The Bateys' parents are Jim and Peggy Batey.

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