WJ’s softball team has always been built on teamwork, but this upcoming season, the team chemistry will be taken to a new level. The possibility of three pairs of siblings on the roster will bring a unique bond as they try to defend their division championship.
Playing softball has had a big role in shaping the siblings’ relationships. Freshman Ruby Bonoir switched from playing baseball when she was younger to follow in her older sister, junior Alina Bonoir’s footsteps.
“I actually played baseball when I was little but I eventually switched [to softball] because I wanted to play softball like my sister,” Ruby said.

For Alina and Ruby, this is not their first time playing on the same WJ team. This past fall, they played together on WJ’s flag football team, an experience that brought them closer together.
“I think it’s fun to be on the same team because it’s nice to have someone in your family who is doing the sport with you to talk about the team or upcoming games,” Alina said.
But, spending lots of additional time together through practices and games can come with its challenges.
“My sister and I argue sometimes, and being together for two hours every day after school can sometimes make it worse,” Alina said. “We would sometimes argue about who deserved more playing time and things like that, which can make me annoyed.”
Despite the occasional sibling banter, the experience has ultimately strengthened their bond and they look forward to the season this year.
“Playing with Alina this preseason has definitely strengthened our bond because she has been able to give me tips on how to improve,” Ruby said. “I love getting to practice with her in preparation for tryouts.”
Another possible sibling duo that can be seen on the softball field is freshman Quinn Reynolds and junior Ella Reynolds. They use their sibling connection to connect on the field.
“Our sibling relationship has affected the way I play in the field by making communication easier with each other, since we are already so close,” Quinn said.
The team chemistry and trust can take months to years to develop between teammates, but for these siblings, it is automatically there.

Ella said. “Most teams take a while to fully trust each other but having someone I already know and trust is comforting and also makes it easier to play with her.”
Head Coach Richard Carter believes that these family bonds will be a major asset to the team as they aim to repeat their amazing postseason last year, being both regional and division champions.
“The advantage of these siblings is that they are all very serious about getting better and being a positive part of the team,” Carter said. “They all come from strong support systems and I feel they will make us even stronger. I am confident they will get along very well and it will be a great experience for them and us.”
With a melting pot of experience, talent and unique sibling connection, WJ softball is ready to take on the season. As they strive for another division championship, their built-in chemistry could be the key to their success.