Sister synergy
Despite having over eight years of competitive volleyball experience, the MacTavish sisters have yet to do one thing: play on the same team. Until now.
Sutton MacTavish, 22, a graduate student from Southlake, Texas, will join her freshman sister Jordyn MacTavish, 18, in college volleyball.
According to Jordyn and Sutton, Southlake is a small hub for young volleyball players. Sutton began playing both indoor and beach volleyball at the age of 11, but switched to solely beach volleyball at 14. Jordyn followed closely in suit, committing to beach volleyball at 10-years-old. Competitive club beach volleyball is divided by age groups, so without a high school team, the two never played together or against each other.
Thanks to NCAA rules on the COVID year, Sutton has one last year of eligibility to play with her sister.
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Dynamics
With the first few games starting February 23rd at Houston Christian University, Jordyn and Sutton navigate their experience of playing on the same team together for the first time.
Sutton said, “When we get on sand, we’re definitely a lot more competitive than we are off the sand”.
Transitioning from sisters to teammates is new, but with coach guidance, Jordyn and Sutton distinguish their roles effectively.
“Even though we are sisters, our coaches don’t necessarily see us that way,” Sutton said, “In practice, we continue to compete against each other, intensifying the level of competition between us, enhancing our skills”.
As the older sister, Sutton anticipates guiding Jordyn through her first year of college as a student-athlete. Competing at a high level with such a special bond among teammates offers the MacTavish sisters many moments to anticipate.
Jordyn eagerly “anticipates experiencing memorable moments with Sutton throughout the season, moments they will cherish forever in their memories”.
Although they’ll sit on the 2024 roster together, it’s uncertain if they’ll debut as a pair. Since 2022, Sutton frequently partnered with Kaylie McHugh. Together, they made the CCSA All-Conference Team during Sutton’s junior year.. Having such accolades makes it unlikely to see the MacTavish sisters compete side-by-side. Still, the duo plans to compete at a high level, just in different pairs.
“In the end, no matter what we’re doing, we’re always going to be sisters,” Jordyn said.
