Sibling Rivalry? Not Here

Two sets of twins and brother-sister combo part of UB athletic teams

For some student-athletes at the University at Buffalo, sports aren't just a way of life: they are a family affair. Just ask identical twins Devon and Emily Russell who both play on the women's soccer team.

Devon Russell

"We've been playing together for about 11 years now," said Devon Russell. "We never really played without one another. We've always been on the same teams. I think there was one summer I did the Empire State Games and she chose not to. I'll admit it felt a little uncomfortable at first playing without her, but we can stand on our own."

When it came time to choose which college to attend, the Russells had big decisions to make.

Emily Russell

"We considered looking at a few different schools, but I think in the back of our mind we knew we'd be happier if we went to school together," said Devon Russell. "We went and visited all the same schools. Coaches would always ask us this question when we first talked to them so they would know if they were getting a package deal or not. Most of the coaches we talked to wanted both of us together. Two people who have been playing soccer together for over 10 years are usually more effective than if they've never played together before."

After narrowing their decision of which school to attend down to two, UB and Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire, the Russells had to decide which route to take.

"Soccer wise, Franklin Pierce already had an established program, winning the national title that year we went and visited," said Devon Russell. "We knew UB had a young program, but they were up-and-coming. We knew we faced the possibility of never making it to the NCAAs, however the coaching staff here at UB was so positive and energetic and we really liked their motivation. We looked at it as more of a challenge if we came to UB. We wanted to help them make it the NCAAs and not defend another title if we chose Franklin Pierce."

The Russells also choose UB for its diversity and size.

"We came down to two schools which we were both interested in," said Devon Russell. "We ended up choosing UB because we knew we wanted to go to school together, however we wanted a big enough school to develop our own independence."

At first glance, UB was slightly intimidating to the twins.

"At first, we were a little intimidated by the size of UB, and the 4 1/2 driving hours from home in Albany, but clearly UB was the school that would fit the two of us comfortably. Together we went through the pros and cons and, not surprisingly, we had the same opinions. Academically with so many degree options, UB had everything either of us could ask for in a school seeing how neither of us had established a desire for a particular major yet."

Melissa Pace

The Russells are not the only set of twin student-athletes at Buffalo. Freshmen Erica and Melissa Pace both play for the softball team.

"We've been playing together as long as we've been playing softball," said Melissa Pace. "My mom signed us up for Bobby Sox softball together when we were six. We've been on the same teams every year except one."

Deciding to attend Buffalo was an easier decision for them.

Erica Pace

"I personally enjoyed the softball team and coaches when I came on my visit," said Erica Pace. "The reason I chose here was not only that my sister and I could come together, but because of academics--this school has a great medical program, which is my career field of interest."

Her sister Melissa agreed. "We both liked UB better than the other schools we visited. It was a better fit both academically and athletically for both of us."

Senior Kendra Pyke may have had an easier time making the decision to attend UB - she got to make it alone. Pyke's younger brother Chris began attending UB as a freshman last fall. Both Pykes are members of the UB tennis squads.

Kendra Pyke

"One reason I decided to attend the University at Buffalo was because of the academic opportunities," said Kendra Pyke. "UB is a research school, so there is a lot of exciting work going on in all different fields. Secondly, I was offered a position on the women's tennis team under the coaching of Kathy Twist. My family and I were very impressed with Coach Twist and that was a factor in my decision. I would say that my family was definitely a major part in my decision to attend UB. Family is very important to me. They are my best friends and their support means a lot. All of these factors added up and made the University at Buffalo my choice for a college."

One might think that having a sibling on the same teams might cause tension for the siblings, but the rivalry doesn't interfere with the athletes' performance - it might even enhance it.

"We both have very competitive spirits," said Devon Russell. "My Dad says we're the only two people he knows who can turn Monopoly into a contact sport! However, with soccer it's much different. We both play different positions, so we're not in competition with each other. During practices, however, we can be the others' worst enemy. We play our hardest against each other, which in turn makes us better players in the end. In the games though, we are all business and focus on our team's goal - to win."

The Pace sisters handle the competition a little differently.

"We always talk about the game and share our opinions with one another," said Melissa Pace. "We're going to have a bad game every once in a while - every player does. We just try to encourage each other."

So what happens when family problems make their way onto the field? Emily Russell says it just doesn't happen.

"Whether I step out onto the practice field or the game field, I leave all of my problems and social life at home," said Emily Russell. "Soccer is my outlet, so I don't let anything unrelated to soccer mix into the picture. To play soccer at the college level takes an extraordinary amount of mental fitness. It would be hard to concentrate in practice or a game if I brought other issues onto the board."

Overall, each of the siblings agreed that having someone in the same situation of handling school and the team has been a great experience for them.

"My brother is definitely one of my best friends, so it's always nice to have him around," said Kendra Pyke. "Because of tennis, we have a commonality in our schedules and experiences. It's nice to talk with him about problems on and off the court. Overall, I think it makes my experience that much nicer having family around."

UB's two sets of twins echo Kendra Pyke's sentiments.

"We don't feel alone because we will always know that the other will be there when we need them," said Emily Russell.

Erica Pace agreed. "Playing ball in college is a great experience and even that much better when you have someone so close to you to enjoy it with you."

By Laura L. Martin
Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

01/10/2002