By Christine Etzel, Brown Women's Soccer, Class of 2019 & Danielle Etzel, Harvard Women's Soccer, Class of 2019
What’s it like being a twin and playing the same position in the same sport? Despite what might be looked at as a novelty, we don’t know life any other way.
We both began learning the goalkeeping position at the same age and were immediately pitted against each other. Despite this, we always found the right balance of competitiveness and support to push each other to be the best athletes we could be. This was the basis for a driven and healthy training atmosphere that led to our successes, and we look to bring this same environment to our respective teams.
When the recruiting process began, we knew it was time to start carving our own paths. We had played on the same club and high school team, but had our own unique experiences competing for different Region I and Olympic Development Program teams. When it came time to reach out to coaches, we looked to distinguish ourselves by our individual experiences while also sharing other accomplishments as teammates. Winning the Western New England Prep School Soccer Association (WNEPSSA) Class A Championship with our high school team was something we accomplished together, but Christine competing against the U20 Costa Rica National Team and winning MVP of the game or Danielle playing in the Istria Cup in Croatia, an international tournament with full senior national teams, were moments we had on our own.
Our schools give us a balance in college between academics and athletics that allow us to continue to challenge ourselves on and off the field. We worked hard for the opportunity to study at our respective schools and are proud to play and represent them in the Ivy League—the best of both worlds. Going to different schools and playing for different soccer programs has allowed us to create our own memories as people and players.
Playing against each other this weekend will be an experience unlike one we’ve had before. We’re excited to be on the same field for the national anthem, kickoff and game. It will be unfamiliar to see each other on opposite sides of the field; however, we’re going to go out and play this game just the same as any other Ivy League game. When we step on the field, we both play to win. It’s about respect and pride for ourselves, our teams and our schools. It’s about 90 minutes as opponents on the field and the rest as family off the field.
Christine Etzel is a junior goalkeeper on the Brown women's soccer team. The reigning Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year led the Bears to their best Ivy League finish since 1994 as a sophomore.
Danielle Etzel is a junior goalkeeper on the Harvard women's soccer team. She currently ranks among the top 40 nationally in save percentage and goals against average.
ABOUT AUTHENTIC IVY:
Authentic Ivy is Ivy League student-athletes, in their own words. Stay tuned to IvyLeague.com for more Authentic Ivy features throughout the 2017-18 year.