Siblings eat together, live together, travel together and grow up together. But certain duos are not only siblings but also teammates. Throughout WJ, there are many siblings who play on various WJ sports teams, collaborating and supporting one another on and off the field.
For many underclassmen, joining a new sports team can be scary and overwhelming. Luckily, sophomore Alexandra Krouse had her sister to help her out when she joined the WJ field hockey and lacrosse teams her freshman year.
“When I joined the team, Natalya made me feel so comfortable. She introduced me to the upperclassmen, and made me feel so welcomed,” Alexandra said.
For some siblings, a sport is one of the few things that they can share, bringing them closer to each other and to their sport. Senior Adam Pyott and sophomore Sophie Pyott had never been on the same team before playing for WJ hockey.
“It’s really fun having her out there with me. We have never been able to do that before and it’s really nice that we have hockey in common,” Adam said.
Many people worry about the idea of having two siblings on the same team, as there may be more fights and competition. In reality, siblings can push each other and encourage each other to be the best they can be.
“Adam helps me with my shot a lot. He knows that my shot is what I need the most work on, and so he encourages me to practice because he knows I want to improve,” Sophie said.
While there is always friendly competition, junior Megan Raue and senior Mackenzie Raue always make sure they are supporting each other even when they have to compete in races.
“There is definitely competition between us but it helps us to push each other to be better. It’s a very healthy rivalry,” Mackenzie said.
Older siblings sometimes see themselves as a mentor or a teacher for their younger siblings. In the Krouse siblings’ case, Natalya is the reason her younger sister chose to begin playing both field hockey and lacrosse.
“Natalya taught me to play lacrosse when we were younger, and sort of forced me to play field hockey so we could do it together. I would not be playing either of these sports if it weren’t for her pushing and encouraging me to,” Alexandra said.
Natalya took on the role of being Alexandra’s leader when it came to the field. Doing everything from teaching her how to cradle a ball to how to communicate with teammates.
“I feel like I’ve helped raise her and teach her important values that you learn from being on a team together,” Natalya said.
Similarly, Mackenzie’s love for running rubbed off onto her younger sister and spurred her love for running.
“After seeing how much Mackenzie was enjoying running, I was influenced to give it a shot myself,” Megan said.
Sophie chose to play hockey all on her own, but joining the WJ Icecats was strongly influenced by her brother’s active presence on the team.
“Being one of the only girls can be a little isolating and lonely sometimes, but then I remember my brother is there and it’s good to always have a friendly face I can talk to,” Sophie said.
From the dinner table to the playing field, these siblings do it all. Catch these dynamic duos in action, showing off their immaculate teammate chemistry, on the track, the field or on the ice.
“You know what they say. Siblings by chance, teammates by choice,” Sophie said.
