***Madalyn Verscha is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
Sisterhood is at the heart of the Wethersfield High School volleyball program this season. It’s not every day you see sisters sharing the same court, let alone five sets of them.
From freshman to varsity, these sibling duos bring a rare bond to the court that strengthens the team both on and off the court.
The success of Wethersfield’s volleyball program is nothing new. For years, the Geese have been known for their teamwork, competitiveness and consistency in their winning. This year stands out among the rest in a unique way.
This year, there are five sets of sisters in the program. It’s not the first-time family ties have played a role in the team’s success. Generations of siblings and family ties have come through the program.
They all continue to build a legacy that strengthens both the program’s culture and record, and the sisters bring a fun atmosphere to the team.
“It is not just playing volleyball together that they all seem to enjoy, but they have fun together at our team dinners, on the bus to games, and in the locker room before games,” said Head Coach Tonya Vincent.
Senior Camryn Anderson and her freshman sister, Kyleigh, share a special routine they do before games.
“We have a lot of routines before a game, but the one that sticks out to me the most is when Kyleigh comes to my room and asks me if her hair looks good,” said Camryn.
Routines like this are common among the players. Kyleigh shared her experience of being moved up to varsity.
“I was surprised when I got moved up to varsity, and it’s a privilege to play with my sister on the same court,” said Kyleigh.
Senior Natalie Nelson and her sophomore sister, Jordan, talk about how being on the same team strengthens their sisterly bond.
“We learn more about each other, and playing together has helped us grow closer over the years,” said Natalie.
Jordan agreed. “We have had so much fun over the years, and I am sad that after she graduates, we will no longer be able to continue making these happy memories together,” she said. The sisters said they will cherish the memories they have made along the way.
Senior Megan Oliver and her junior sister, Ashley, were asked the question: What is something you admire about your sister as a teammate?
“I admire her ability to connect and work together with our teammates on the court,” Megan said.
While Ashley said she admires her sister’s dedication. “And we learn from each other’s mistakes,” she said.
All of the sisters agreed that they helped each other improve their gameplay.
Coach Vincent said it’s been fun to watch the sisters over the season.
“The sisters are all close to each other, and it has been fun to watch the older sister be a role model for their younger sister. I do see the older sister giving tips to her younger sister and the younger sister cheering twice as hard when she sees her older sister make a great play,” the coach said.
Sophomore Lucy Landwehr and her freshman sister, Cora, share some feedback they give each other after the games.
“We give each other constructive criticism on the court,” said Cora while Lucy said, “This advice helps us and our team play together. Our bond helps the program as a whole.”
Senior Wavelynn Peart and her freshman sister, Emersynn, shared some advice they would give to other sisters playing on the same team.
“To always get along and have fun with each other” said Wavelynn.
Emersynn offered advice about not bringing issues into the game.
“Don’t let your outside differences affect your playing on the court,” she said. When you go into that locker room, they are all sisters, and they have to play with that mindset.
Whether they share a last name or not, the bond among these athletes runs deep, said Coach Vincent.
“I hope playing on a high school team with their sister will create a special bond they can cherish throughout the rest of high school and throughout their life,” she said. “Many times, we hear coaches talk about how their team is a family. This year, Wethersfield volleyball truly is just that.”
