When Brendan Mademann steps on the pitcher’s mound, he’s not alone. Behind home plate is Brandon Lunneborg, his friend, teammate, and trusted catcher. On another field in Eagan, you’ll find Julia Mademann on the mound with Lauren Lunneborg behind the plate—two pairs of athletes, one sport, and a powerful bond between siblings and friends.
Brendan, a junior-to-be at Eagan High School, started playing T-ball around age 5. “As I got older, it grew on me more and more,” he says. “Now it’s just fun. I’ve met so many new people and played on teams across the country.” Brendan plays for MASH Baseball Club in the summer, a Savage-based organization that travels nationwide.
Catching for Brendan during the high school season is Brandon Lunneborg, who will be a senior this fall. “I’ve been swinging a bat since I was three, hitting whiffle balls with my dad,” Brandon says. “Baseball has always been my thing.”
He now plays for Blizzard Baseball Academy during the off-season and thrives on the leadership side of catching. “There’s so much control behind the plate. I’m directing the infield, working with the pitcher, and reading the game in real time.”
The trust between pitcher and catcher is so important, and in this case, it extends well beyond the field. “Brandon really took me under his wing,” Brendan shares. “We’re good friends outside of the sport, too. That’s not something that always happens.”
The Love of the Game Extends to Siblings
It’s a similar story with their younger sisters, Julia and Lauren. Julia, who just finished at Red Pine Elementary and will start 6th grade at Dakota Hills Middle School, started playing softball at age 7. “I liked meeting kids who would be going to my school,” she says.
Today, she plays 12U fastpitch and looks forward to every game. “I like pitching because you get to decide what kind of throw you’re going to make. You’re in charge of how the play starts.”
Her catcher? Lauren Lunneborg, Brandon’s younger sister, who is heading into 7th grade. “I’ve been catching for Julia this season and for other players, too,” Lauren says. “I love being the leader on the field, telling teammates where to go, making plays, and throwing runners out. There’s nothing like blocking a ball and hearing the crowd react.”
Lauren also plays club hockey and loves the contrast between the two sports. “Hockey is all teamwork. There is a lot of passing and moving together. In softball, you get these moments where it’s just you and the ball. I like having both.”
Brendan and Julia’s mom, Elise Mademann, says their love of sports goes far beyond competition. “We tried out for a higher-level team for Julia this year, and it just so happened that Lauren would be catching for her. It’s special. These relationships form naturally through the sport and keep growing.”
Building Relationships On and Off the Baseball Field
During the school year, Eagan’s community-based teams give kids a chance to play with familiar faces from the neighborhood. In the off-season, club programs like MASH, Blizzard, and others allow them to meet players from different cities, travel, and test their skills at a higher level. For both the Mademanns and the Lunneborgs, it’s the best of both worlds.
“We’ve got a great sports community here in Eagan,” Brendan says. “And the friendships you make through these programs last long after the season’s over.” Sundays are often spent with “the baseball boys,” hanging out and bonding over a shared love of the game.
Julia agrees. “I just like having something active to do. Whether it’s softball or volleyball, I like being out there and part of a team.”
Brandon adds that the balance of individual skill and team effort is what sets baseball apart. “It’s such a unique sport. You have to do your part, whether that’s hitting or fielding, but it all fits into this bigger team picture.”
Whether they’re leading their teams from behind the plate or stepping onto the mound, these four athletes show that sports are about more than just wins and stats. They’re about learning to lead, showing up for your team, and making lifelong friendships. One pitch at a time. One catch at a time.
“We’ve become such good friends outside of baseball, too. That’s not something you always get with teammates.” – Brendan Mademann
“There’s just something awesome about making a big play, whether it’s blocking a ball, hitting a homer, or throwing someone out. That’s what keeps me coming back.” – Lauren Lunneborg