Since my two sisters and I began playing basketball in second grade, the sport has become the bedrock of our sisterly bond.
Our shared passion for basketball has paved the way for collegiate careers for all three of us. I played at Valparaiso and now work in communications at the NCAA after my graduation last year. My sister Jillian is in her senior year at Virginia, while our youngest sister Macy is a sophomore at Michigan.
Though our parents never participated in college basketball themselves, they instilled a love for the sport in us from an early age.
My mom, Noelle, who is now the director of a women’s basketball travel club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, organized weekend tournaments, which meant we spent most of our weekends immersed in basketball, dressed in long shorts, knee pads, and headbands reminiscent of Skylar Diggins from Notre Dame.
She even encouraged us to practice dribbling indoors. We’d often roll our eyes at her advice, saying, “If you want to play Division I basketball, you’ve got to…” followed by her suggestions for improvement (including dribbling while running a 5k). We listened begrudgingly, and in retrospect, she was right.
My dad, Spencer, has always provided perspective on the game. During moments of frustration, he was there to give us guidance, helping us become better teammates and players. Regardless of the game’s outcome, he would embrace us and express his pride. Much of our height and natural talent in basketball comes from our granddad, who established Mr. B’s Basketball Camp.
I could fill pages recounting our family’s basketball memories, but for me and my sisters, our one-on-one matchups truly define our relationship. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the world shut down, we gained access to a gym and played basketball daily. We went through shooting drills before enjoying the most thrilling part: competing against one another.
I would leverage my strength and mental toughness to gain the upper hand on my younger sisters. As the eldest, I often urged them to toughen up during games, leading to some playful complaints like “LIV! That’s a FOUL!” when they played against me.
Jillian plays with finesse and a sharp basketball IQ, scoring from all areas of the court and using quick ball-handling skills to throw off her defenders. Meanwhile, Macy, an all-around talent, showcases her strategic vision, adeptly making plays such as eye-catching cross-court passes for open 3-pointers, all while standing nearly six feet tall.
During one gym session, Jillian and I teamed up against Macy, who was a freshman at the time. We scored several points against her, playing physically to maintain our lead. We reminded her, “This is what high school basketball will be like,” and urged her to be strong and resilient. Yet as the pressure mounted, she succumbed to tears. Realizing we had gone too far, Jillian and I immediately comforted her with a hug.
“I’ll never be as good as you guys,” Macy lamented, to which Jillian assured her, “No, Macy, you’ll surpass us. When Liv and I were your age, we couldn’t have competed against high school or college players either. This is precisely what will make you exceptional.”
Those long days in the gym during the pandemic were significant for all three of us. Over the years, college basketball has profoundly influenced Jillian and Macy’s growth.
In the thick of competition, wins, losses, and statistics seem paramount, resulting in a mental toll from the practices and travel involved in the game.
As I navigated my own college basketball journey, Jillian and Macy have been a beacon of inspiration, encouraging me to set a positive example. Now that my collegiate playing days are over, I take joy in cheering on my sisters. I care deeply about their success on the court, but even more so about how basketball has helped them evolve into remarkable individuals.
Throughout her four years, Jillian has cultivated her strength and confidence. She played her first two seasons at Northwestern, where we frequently supported each other during visits. It was during these moments that I saw her flourish independently, gaining respect from her peers and becoming a fan favorite.
However, this year, an ACL injury has sidelined her completely. Jillian has used this time to grow as a person outside of basketball, earning a place in the Distinguished Majors program and receiving the Ralph Sampson Scholarship for her contributions as a student-athlete. Remarkably, she has also taken on a mentorship role with younger players.
College basketball has truly empowered Jillian, helping her discover a newfound confidence and sense of self that’s inspiring to witness.
Macy, on the other hand, has grown differently compared to Jillian or me. During her senior year of high school, she was named Michigan’s Miss Basketball, the top honor for players in the state. With her emotional intelligence and charm, she’s naturally a leader, which was evident when she was entrusted as a freshman to host a recruit for the program.
Though her playing time in college didn’t match her expectations initially, Macy continues to show up with unwavering positivity, working diligently to build connections with her teammates. She attained Academic All-Big Ten honors as well this year.
Macy’s class and resilience promise a future of success both on and off the court.
As children, we dreamed of being on the grand stage of Michigan basketball, and watching Macy compete now feels surreal. This Friday, my family and I will head to South Bend, Indiana, to watch her in the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship, with Jillian cheering from home.
I can already envision Macy’s enthusiasm during the pregame, gathering with her teammates before the game begins. Competing on this significant platform is a proud moment for our family, and regardless of the outcome, I couldn’t be prouder of both of my sisters.
Being raised together immersed in basketball laid the groundwork for our sisterly relationship, and being collegiate athletes has been an invaluable teacher. Through our shared love for basketball, we have learned how to be supportive sisters by challenging, uplifting, and encouraging one another.
With Jillian still having one more year eligibility and Macy two, I am sure our one-on-one games aren’t over. In fact, chances are we’ll still be playing in our 40s.
These matches mean so much more than winning or losing; they represent the cherished time we spend together and the people we become along the journey.
