From kids to champs

That it was a dream they'd shared as childhood friends made it even sweeter.

"I don't think it's something we actually thought would happen, but it was something we always talked about," said Balko. She and Acton recently wrapped up their sophomore years with the UA having defeated Northwestern to win the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.

Acton and Balko, both 20, have known each other since they were 8, when the two played together in Bobby Sox softball on the Northwest Side. They started off as teammates, eventually moved to separate teams and almost lost touch with each other during their high-school years before reuniting in college.

"It's nice ending up at the same place with a friend like that," Acton said.

Balko said their friendship always remained, even when they developed a bit of a rivalry when on opposite teams. Balko recalls a time as 10-year-olds when, after her team managed to throw the speedy Acton out at first base, "we were celebrating on the field, and while that was happening, her team scored two runs. I was very competitive, and I always wanted to beat her."

The two also played together in Amateur Softball Association club softball, as 11- and 12-year-olds on the Tucson Bandits and 13-year-olds on the Arizona Cats. Acton then moved on to a Phoenix-based team and, though they entered Canyon del Oro High School together in 2000, they never played softball there together.

Acton, also an accomplished sprinter who placed second at the Class 5A state meet for CDO in 2001 and 2002, said CDO would not allow her to run track and play softball, so she stuck with track. For her junior and senior years she transferred to Marana High School, where she played both sports and helped lead the Tigers' softball team into the state tournament.

Balko, meanwhile, started four years at CDO and helped the Dorados win a state title in 2001.

Though they didn't see each other as much, Balko said, they still tried to keep up with what the other was doing. Balko was present when Acton officially signed to play at the UA, and at that time the two realized they'd achieved a goal both had set years ago.

"Once I signed at the UA I thought, 'Wow, this is the place we wanted to always go to, and we did it,' " Acton said.

Of the more than 100 players who have won NCAA titles with the UA softball team, only 15 grew up in the Tucson area. Few contributed as much to their team's success.

Balko, the Wildcats' catcher for every inning of all 65 games this past season, hit .270 with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs, and her single against Texas in the second round of the World Series was regarded by many as the biggest hit for the UA all year.

Acton hit .290 and stole 10 bases while playing error-free defense in the outfield.

"Adrienne was by far the best (number) nine hitter in the country this year," UA head coach Mike Candrea said, referring to her spot in the batting order.

UA assistant coach Larry Ray, who helped recruit both women, said their exploits will go a long way toward motivating other area girls.

"They can look at those two young ladies … and see that with the right situation, they can play at the top level," Ray said.

Said Candrea: "Our goal at the UA is to keep the local kids that can help us."

Acton remembers attending UA games at Hillenbrand Stadium with her family, as well as with Balko, and how the two of them would point out where in the field they'd be playing someday.

"We'd say, 'Yeah, I'm going to do that,' " Acton said. "I'd say, 'Yeah, I'll be in the outfield,' and Callie said she'd be catching."

Now, when little girls come up to her and ask for autographs after games, it reminds her of those days.

"It's cool to think girls can look up to you," Acton said.

Balko said that, after the championship game ended, Acton was one of the first people she hugged.

"It sunk in right when it happened for her and I," Balko said. "We were crying together."