Hannah and Olivia Christian, the twin standout softball players from Hoover, Alabama, are no strangers to Extra Inning Softball.
Over the years, they have come up through the Extra Elite 100 Player Rankings and have been even featured going back to 2020 in the Extra Inning Softball Player Spotlight series (click HERE to see the video).
And recently Hannah (ranked No. 38) and Olivia (ranked No. 40) announced their verbal commitments to the University of Southern Mississippi.
“The Twins” are not only family, they are also best friends and have been teammates since they started playing softball at the age of 5. Not surprisingly, both athletes wanted to find a future college home together.
“Playing with my sister and best friend at the college level was important,” began Hannah. “Not many people get that opportunity, and we want to share our college experience together.”
During the recruitment process, several college programs showed interest in both girls together as a package and some looked at them individually.
The twins shared with coaches that they always wanted to play together, but they didn’t want to hold each other back. So, if an opportunity came for only one, they would weight what was best for themselves and each other.
However, after a camp in December at Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the athletes started to feel like they had found their home with the future Sun Belt school which competes in conference with the likes of James Madison and Louisiana.
“We are going to be with the coaches and players more time than not,” Olivia said, “so it was important to us to find a home that felt like family. Head Coach (Natalie) Poole, Coach ‘A’ (Aaron Longenecker), and Coach Izzy (Werdann) create that environment and they were so welcoming.”
After a second weekend in Hattiesburg, for a visit and camp—and getting to know the Southern Miss players and future commits—their heart was set on Southern Miss but there was small little detail missing: The Golden Eagle coaches had yet to offer… but the girls didn’t have to wait too long.
The exciting call and invitation from the coaches to have Hannah and Olivia be part of the Southern Miss program came the following Monday evening. Quickly thereafter, the siblings enthusiastically gave their verbal commitments to join the Eagles’ softball team in 2024.
“It was an exciting week for our family,” laughed Hannah about the memories from that noteworthy time for the Christian family. “We committed to Southern Miss to play softball and we brought home a new puppy, Calvin!”
Hannah—a speedy outfielder and a triple threat lead off hitter—and Olivia—a right-handed spin pitcher—bring two different dynamics to the team.
Georgia Impact Premiere Coach Mike Maher shared what it was like having the sisters on his travel ball team.
“Hannah is a very passionate player,” Coach Maher begins. “She helps sets the table as our leadoff. Our offense averaged six runs a game and she was a big reason why. Defensively, Hannah is a standout outfielder who can play any of the three positions and can cover a lot of ground to easily track down any ball that comes her way.”
“Olivia had a great fall with us,” the club coach continues. “She just controls the game when she is in there and gives our team the best chance to win. Olivia has great command of her pitches and is very effective in hitting her spots. She was our most consistent pitcher this Fall.”
“Overall, we are absolutely thrilled they are with us this season as they both bring great energy to the team.”
The twins will return to Georgia Impact this summer for a competitive schedule, but, first, will be competing for their powerhouse Hoover (Ala.) High School team that last year finished 3rd in State and 4th two years ago.
Hannah and Olivia look to help the Buccaneers prep team take home the Class 7A championship trophy this Spring, but first they’ll have to compete in a tough area and against a strong regional schedule, but they won’t have to do it alone. College-bound teammates Gracie Hillman, a 2023 Extra Elite 100 outfielder headed to Georgia Tech, and Bella Foran, a 2024 Extra Elite 100 shortstop/outfielder who last Fall gave Florida Atlantic verbal, will also be in the Hoover lineup.
And making it a quartet on the team who’ve been honored to make the 2024 Extra Elite 100, here’s what we had to say about Hannah and Olivia in their Top 40 rankings when posted last September:
T-40—Olivia Christian, P/1B, Georgia Impact – Maher
Olivia, a right-handed pitcher from Hoover, Ala. who stands at 5-foot-10, has the ability to change speed and hit locations. Her rise ball became notably effective this summer producing swing and misses. Throwing in the low 60’s, Olivia has an impressive array of pitches and a nasty off-speed that keep batters off balance. She led Hoover High to a 3rd place finish in 7A where she went 18-5 in the circle with 90 K’s. After school ball, Olivia led her travel ball team in the circle throwing 68 innings with 45 strikeouts and a 2.86 ERA playing in four of the Elite Summer tournaments (Team 1 Elite Club Invite, Top Club, Sparkler Power Pool and PGF Nationals).
T-38—Hannah Christian, OF, Georgia Impact – Maher
Hannah has emerged as one of the best slappers in her class and her competitive mindset gives her the upper hand over the defenses she faces. Hannah is a true triple threat at the plate displaying her speed with her short game as a slapper and has also developed a powerful swing as a hitter. She is the catalyst that fuels the offense, hitting .505 with multiple extra base hits this summer and only had six strikeouts in 111 plate appearances. Hannah was a standout in this year’s 16U Futures Game at the Colorado Sparkler where she made a ESPN-worthy catch in centerfield. Hannah recently made the move to the new Georgia Impact Premier team coached by Mike Maher and he believes that with her tenacity and speed, she will be a standout player and leader in center field. “Hannah is a great addition to our roster. She’s a Power 5 prospect that has gauged a lot of interest with college coaches and her elite speed gives her an upper hand on her competitors.”
*****
Extra Inning Softball recently caught up with the twins to learn more about their commitments, their softball experiences and life off the field… here’s what they had to say…
Extra Inning Softball: How did Southern Miss find you to start the recruiting process?
Hannah: My recruitment with Southern Miss started on Twitter with Coach “A.” He watched a highlight video of mine from a successful weekend at the plate. We connected on text and Coach Poole was at that Show Me the Money tournament and had also watched me play. Coach Izzy came to watch us at a very cold weekend in Atlanta and we were invited to camp in December. A few weeks later, Coach “A” reached out to invite us back for another camp and visit. The process seemed long, but it all happened in just a couple of months. I appreciated the transparency and feedback they gave us.
Olivia: We got to know the coaches throughout the process. I’m almost positive they didn’t make the connection that we were sisters until a few weeks after we both started talking to Coach “A.” Then our individual text became a group text.
EIS: Why did you decide to continue your athletic and academic future with the Golden Eagles?
Hannah: After the second camp and visit we knew we really wanted to be a part of the program they were building. The campus is very pretty, and we had a great meeting with the athletic academic counselor. I liked how enthusiastic she was about helping athletes manage their studies. The coaches spent time with us throughout the entire day and we were able to get to know some of the current players. You could tell they loved being at So Miss. I knew then, that’s where I wanted to be.
EIS: How did you commit to Southern Miss?
Olivia: We had a call with both Coach Poole and Coach “A” and my parents. We were so nervous waiting on the phone to ring. Coach Poole made us the official offer to become a part of the program. We knew we were ready to commit so, we told them that night, we would like to accept their offer.
EIS: How did you know it was the right place for you?
Hannah: For me it was the connection with the coaches and players. I liked how Coach Poole interacted with us as players, and I share Coach “A’s” passion for hitting. I really focus on my swing and mechanics—think it comes from always working to perfect my swing and my slap with my dad. All the coaches spent time with me and gave feedback and I felt like I would excel as a player if I got the opportunity to work with them. There’s a sign in the back of the hitting house that says it’s only 678 miles to OKC, and that’s where I want to compete one day!
Olivia: Southern Mississippi checked all the boxes for me. It’s an incredible opportunity to compete at the D1 level, and to get the true college experience. I really like that we are only three hours from home, so that our family can come watch us play. During the visit I felt at home. After we committed my dad told me that our hotel in Hattiesburg was Room 316. His favorite bible verse is John 3:16. It was just another sign that we had found our school!
EIS: What did the coaches say they liked about you and your abilities enough to offer?
Hannah: The coaches said they liked my speed on the bases and in the outfield, my footwork and my arm accuracy from the outfield. Also, they like that I can hit for power as well as soft and hard slap.
Olivia: I got to throw a couple of bullpens with Coach Poole, and she liked my rise ball and my off-speed pitch. Coach Izzy and Coach “A” also gave me a lot of positive feedback on my swing.
EIS: What are you most looking forward to in being part of the Southern Miss program and playing at the next level?
Hannah: I’m overall just excited to be a part of the program. Being a part of the Sun Belt Conference is going to give me an opportunity to play against some good talent.
Olivia: We were looking at the Southern Miss schedule and we will know players at almost every school we face. Travel ball has given us an opportunity to compete against some of the best. I’m excited that will continue in college.
EIS: Did you feel pressure playing this fall because of recruiting?
Hannah: Standing in centerfield you can get a great view of the stands and coaches lining up a long the fence. Playing in front of the coaches didn’t make me too nervous, but it was really cool to see so many Coaches at the same tournaments.
Olivia: After the big summer we had, playing in front of coaches wasn’t really a big deal by the fall. However, the pressure of when to commit and finding the right fit was stressful. The process itself was more stressful. Playing was the fun part.
EIS: What advice would you give to your 2025 and 2026 teammates about the process?
Hannah: Play to compete and have fun. Don’t get too bogged down with the pressure and post your successes on Twitter!
Olivia: Go to as many camps as you can. Hannah and I started attending camps very young. I think that made it easier to interact and be ourselves when we were older.
EIS: What are you most proud of yourself for this fall?
Hannah: I have been working on my swing away, and this fall I hit more for power and enjoyed hitting home runs!
Olivia: I have been working on commanding my pitches, spinning the ball, and hitting spots. I’m probably most proud of the confidence that I had this Fall. It was great to have my Georgia Impact team behind me.
EIS: What’s it like to be able to play with your sister and how are you alike, and different?
Hannah: I’m very competitive. We both are, but I can take it to the next level. I’m also extremely neat and very organized. I’m a good driver. “O”… not so much!
Olivia: I’m a little more outgoing and can be more social. I tend to talk more for both of us when we are together. Most people think I’m more intense, but I’m a lot more laid back than Hannah.
EIS: What’s been your most memorable softball experience so far in your career?
Hannah: We have a very competitive high school schedule. My freshman year we beat Thompson to advance to the regional tournament. That was very exciting because our high school hadn’t been to Regionals in several years. We finished fourth in the State that year. My sophomore year, we won against very good Fairhope High School team to finish in third place.
Olivia: We have played in three tournaments in Oklahoma, and we have won two out of three times. The most fun was when we won the OKC Challenge. It was a great week with our teammates, and we got to attend the Women’s College World Series.
EIS: What is your favorite vacation or place you visited?
Both: Key West, Florida!
What are your favorite items in your closet right now?
Hannah: Southern Miss Sweatshirt and my Nikes.
Olivia: My sparkly UGG slippers.
EIS: What’s something people may find interesting about you two?
Hannah: We share everything! We share a red Jeep that we named “Lucifer,” clothes, and we hang out with the same friends.
Olivia: We don’t share shoes! The volume level in our car always has to be on an odd number.
EIS: Your best way to unwind?
Hannah: Hang out on the lake.
Olivia: I agree on a boat or by the pool.
EIS: What’s playing on your playlist right now?
Hannah: “Headed South” by Zach Bryan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYAwDTmdPa8
Olivia: “Heart Like a Truck” by Lainey Wilson
EIS: What food could you eat and never get sick of?
Hannah: Spaghetti
Olivia: Crumble Cookies
EIS: Finally, what do you do for fun when not on the softball field?
Both: Going to music festivals, relaxing at the lake or just hanging out with friends.
