Like many military family members, college athlete Ki’Audra “Kay Kay” Hayter longed for the day when her brother could come watch one of her games.
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Kay Kay’s brother United States Army Sergeant La’Kedran Hayter had been stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for the past three years. During that time, Kay Kay had risen to the top of her game playing outfield for the University of Texas Longhorns softball team.
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Now that Kay Kay is a senior facing graduation in the spring she wanted La’Kedran to see her play more than ever. Before the season ended in early May, Kay Kay’s family gathered at McCombs Field to celebrate Senior Day. A few days before the big event, Kay Kay even tweeted about how much she’d love it if La’Kedran could be there to see her play during her last college game.
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Little did the player know that the wheels were already in motion to make her wish come true. Before the game on a sunny May Sunday afternoon, Kay Kay stood with her family by the dugout. The announcer asked those in attendance to watch a video that La’Kedran had filmed for her, and as the message played Kay Kay wiped away tears. You can tell she misses her brother dearly!
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“I just wanted to tell you congratulations, I’m proud of you,” La’Kedran stated in his video message. “I really wish I could be there tonight, there’s no place I’d rather be. Good luck on tonight’s game, and I’ll see you very soon.”
Seconds later the P.A. system crackles to life once more, this time to invite La’Kedran to come out onto the field to see his sister in the flesh! Kay Kay is so overcome with emotion that she sinks to the ground in tears before her big brother helps her to her feet for a proper hug.
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Three years is a long time to be away from a loved one, so these two siblings took their time embracing in front of the wildly cheering crowd. Their parents stood behind them wiping away tears from their own eyes as they watched their children’s joyful reunion.
Later, Kay Kay updated her Twitter to share the exciting news about her brother’s visit.
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Military families sacrifice so much for our freedom. It’s fantastic to see them receiving a hero’s welcome like this, and when they can be there to celebrate life’s best moments with us we should all be truly thankful. Thank you for your service Sgt. Hayter, and thank you for making your sister’s last college game so unforgettable.
Watch their tearful reunion in the video below and don’t forget to share.
Family is everything.
Kay Kay Hayter's brother, Army sergeant La’Kedran Hayter, is currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Today, he surprised @Queen_Kay05 on her senior day in Austin.
#HookEm #NCAASoftball pic.twitter.com/iOXKfDORQD— Texas Softball (@TexasSoftball) May 5, 2019
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