Northwest Missouri Special Olympics athletes are rising to the top in softball.

Their most recent win came against local celebrities.

While the athletes are pretty amazing, the support system around them is equally impressive.

"I've grown up around this," said Katie Hrenchir. "So I'm pretty much a natural at this."

Hrenchir's team has earned a special place in her heart.

She's coached and guided Special Olympians in Northwest Missouri for years.

Her brother, Tanner, has down syndrome.

So, she's been cheering him on since she was six years old.

Katie was one of the big players off the field during a recent softball celebrity bash.

She jumped and cheered and even teared up at the crowd that came to support these athletes.

"I think we touched a lot of people who have never seen our program before by bringing in the celebrities."

And, just as touched as Katie was by the crowd, so too were those watching Katie and the event she and the team at the Northwest Missouri Special Olympics office put together.

"I'm so happy for Katie," said Melody Prawitz. "She does her best job for working the Special Olympics."

Prawitz helped organize the softball bash where the special olympics team pulled off a win against local celebrities.

But, the effort was rewarding -- win or lose.

"It is great to see a smile on an athlete's face when they hit that ball and can run to first base."

"The medals being placed around their necks. They don't care if they didn't win one game."

And, the simple act of caring means more to these athletes than the competition.

"I like my sister so much," said Tanner Hrenchir. "She is a great person to me."

And, a great person to dozens of athletes.

The Northwest Missouri Special Olympians are headed to Columbia for the State Games in August.

The money raised during the softball bash will help pay their way.