Teaming up with her sister, Lincoln-Way West freshman Grace Kinsella turns into goal-scoring star. ‘I love it.’

“I knew she’d be ready and she’d have success.”

Grace is also backing up all the hype Kate has been building up around the Warriors’ program for the last few years.

Kate told Lincoln-Way West coach Joe Stephens to expect big things.

“Kate’s been saying for years, ‘Grace is a great player, coach. I promise you,’” Stephens said. “So, actually seeing them play together has been awesome.”

Grace has nine assists to go with her 18 goals. Kate has produced five goals and four assists while controlling the midfield.

“Kate is our engine in the middle of the field,” Stephens said. “It’s fun to see the senior have the freshman come in and Kate has no problem telling Grace, ‘You’ve got to do this better.’

“The girls know it’s out of love and it’s a great dynamic that they have.”

Any criticism between the two sisters is always constructive, according to Kate.

“I love playing with my sister, my built-in best friend,” she said. “We connect well on and off the field. We never fight at home. We’re best friends.”

Grace did point out one exception to the “never fight” claim.

“Only if she starts it,” Grace said, with a laugh.

Kate was quick to concede.

“Yes, only if I start it,” she said. “It’s rare.”

What’s even more rare is the sisters getting to be teammates. This is the first time it has happened, although Grace got into soccer by watching Kate play and has always looked up to her.

“She started playing soccer and then I wanted to play and it’s been my only sport ever since,” Grace said. “I liked watching her and I liked the environment of the soccer team.

“She’s definitely my inspiration.”

With Kate just a few weeks away from graduation, the Kinsella sisters know their time on the soccer field together is winding down.

And Grace plans to savor it.

“I look forward to every moment and every last bit of it,” Grace said. “I’m trying to hold on to every last bit.”