Words: Michael Moore
Playing on the same team with a sibling is something special that doesn’t happen often. Siblings have a special connection on the field that is not often replicated, and it can lead to great things on the field. Sophomore Caroline Strott has spent the past two seasons playing varsity softball with her older sister, Abbey. It has been a great help for Strott, who said it helped her adjust to not just softball, but to high school as a whole.
“By having an older sister I felt more accepted and welcomed on the team, simply because I already knew some of the other players because of [Abbey]. It made it an easier transition to varsity and high school in general,” Strott said.
Strott explained how her sister helped her build confidence on the field, and as an underclassman on varsity, confidence is very important. But, Strott also looks to her sister as a role model off the field too. Abbey’s support and encouragement has helped Caroline through a lot.
“Regardless of what’s going on [Abbey] always had my back. She’s been a great role model for me and helped me with a lot, especially in my freshman year,” Strott said.
Freshman Jeremy Wilson played varsity lacrosse with his brother, senior Kevin Wilson. According to J. Wilson, this past season was something special.
“It’s something everyone who has a brother looks forward to but not everyone gets to do. Coming in as a freshman it makes you so much more comfortable to know that [Kevin is] there to pick you up when you make a bad play,” Wilson said.
Having a brother with you can be very beneficial, especially for a freshman. It helps J. Wilson gain confidence and learn not to be afraid of anything. J. Wilson said his brother taught him that “being a freshman doesn’t matter, it’s all about heart and who wants it more.”
Wilson’s brother played an important role on the lacrosse team during his time at Centennial, and his impact is not lost on his younger brother.
“I think I’ll miss the passion he played with most…he just loves the game and leads by example and is a great leader to follow,” J. Wilson said.
With the graduation of seniors, their younger siblings will look to take the lessons that they have learned throughout the years, and use them on their own. With the summer fast approaching, these athletes will begin to find their own path, and with the tools that have been passed down from their siblings, the future looks nothing but bright for them.
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