A family with several talented sibling athletes is a high school coach’s dream, which is why Maranatha Christian Academy softball coach John Carpentier feels fortunate the Lee sisters have long been in the pipeline.

“I’d watch summer games and smile because I knew what was coming,” Carpentier said.

Through his six seasons with the Mustangs, Carpentier has coached senior Makenzie Lee. This spring marks the second season in which her younger sisters, Maddi, a freshman, and Lexi, an eighth-grader, are in the fold.

The trio has solidified the Mustangs’ middle infield. Maddi is the No. 1 pitcher and behind her are Makenzie (second base) and Lexi (shortstop).

Makenzie, a senior and two-year captain, is the Mustangs’ leader this season. Carpentier said she sets a tone by being aggressive on defense and smart on the basepaths.

Makenzie, who along with Maddi helped the Mustangs win the Class 1A state championship in basketball this season, spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about the softball sister act.

Q Who started the softball tradition in your household?
A I’m the oldest of all the kids, but we all started playing when we were little. Actually, my mom’s dad played baseball for a long time in Triple-A. So that probably was an influence.

Q You and Maddi helped the basketball team win the Class 1A state championship. Does Lexi also play basketball?
A Yeah, she was on the bench with us at the state tournament. She played junior varsity this year.

Q So you’ve won a championship with your sisters and now you’re playing a second season of softball together. How has having them around added to your experience?
A After everything we’ve been through this year with all three of us together, it’s something that won’t ever be forgotten. It makes it that much better.

Q Did winning a basketball state championship give you any momentum in softball?
A It has. We’ve had a really good start to the season, winning three of our first four games and beating two teams — West Lutheran and Providence Academy — that we haven’t ever beaten in the same season.

Q Talk about your role as the only senior on the softball team with experience.
A Actually, I was the only senior who played basketball, too. I don’t think being vocal has ever been a problem for me in sports. I like helping, especially the younger girls. If they ask questions, I’ll answer them.

Q If somebody watching the softball team didn’t know you three were sisters, how might they figure it out? Is there something that links all of you?
A I think we all play different games. But I think you can tell when we’re cheering for Maddi while she’s pitching. Sometimes Lexi and I will run up to her if she walks somebody or do something good to encourage her.

Q How do keep your position as the respected older sister? How do you keep them in their place?
A Well [laughs]. Actually, both of them are bigger than me. Lexi is taller and Maddi has more muscle. It’s a relationship like when a son gets bigger than his dad, he tries to beat him. That’s how we are. They could really beat me up if they wanted to, but they need to respect me because I’m older.