By Kelly Aydelotte '29, staff writer
They have shared a birthday, a childhood and countless memories, and for Claire and Ella, they have also shared the field.
Growing up, Claire and Ella played both basketball and field hockey together. When they reached college, their paths briefly went in different directions. Ella began her college field hockey career at Kutztown, while Claire played at LVC, but that separation did not last long. Ella transferred to LVC during the spring semester of her freshman year, bringing the twins back together on the field.
Claire and Ella are both seniors on the LVC field hockey team. Claire is a forward, while Ella is the team’s goalie. Playing on opposite sides of the field has given the twins a unique way to challenge one another while continuing to improve.
“Going against an insane forward like Claire really has me work harder and try new things since she knows what I can do,” Ella said.
While they push each other to improve, they said they do not feel like they are competing against one another.
“It’s a good time,” Claire said. “Playing different positions makes it better. We’re able to push each other and keep it real without being in competition with each other.”
Although Claire and Ella play different positions, their connections still show on the field.
“Sometimes it feels like I have a ‘sixth sense’ when it comes to knowing what Claire is going to do,” Ella said.
For the twins, it’s hard to pick what their favorite memory was because they have made so many. One of their best memories is what happens after the game. By being at LVC together, their family gets to come to watch both together instead of choosing which game to attend when they were playing at different schools.
“My favorite memories of playing here together are the after,” Ella said. “Getting to see our parents, friends and other family all together really is the best.”
Both have accomplished many milestones throughout their college career, including earning Mid-Atlantic Conference Athletes of the Week together.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Claire said. “It was something we always kind of joked about but also was serious about. We’ve wanted it ever since she transferred to LVC, so it’s a relief it finally happened.”
For Claire and Ella, sharing the Mid Atlantic Conference Athletes of the week together made the accomplishment even more special. As the twins wrap up their final season together, they both created countless memories on and off the field.
“It’s great and it’s very bittersweet being able to start field hockey together and then getting to play our final season together,” Ella said. “I think it’s something that you just can’t explain. It's just really meaningful to be able to both be a part of something bigger and hopefully leave the program better than we found it.”