SAN JOSE, CALIF.— Two of only three freshmen on the Silver Creek High School’s girls varsity basketball team, twin sisters Isabella and Cassandra Garcia work hard to balance basketball, academics, and other activities they enjoy.

Achieving the title, “freshman on varsity” was very rewarding to the twins. They have been playing basketball since kindergarten but didn’t take it seriously until the seventh grade. During middle school, they prepared themselves by joining their school’s basketball team and playing on AAU teams for more practice.

Being student athletes requires great time management skills and hard work. C. Garcia states, “I try not to procrastinate and do my homework before practice.” Going to practice knowing she has unfinished work to do leaves her stressed, so she tries to finish everything she can during the school day to ensure she has a successful practice.

Many people think having your sibling on the same team can cause drama. But in reality, these twins seem as though it gives them a lead. Having each other there helps them feel more confident and supported.

“I like to play with my twin because we know each other’s preferences so it makes us have a better advantage and chemistry,” says C. Garcia.

When it comes to game days, lots of pressure can be put on. With many eyes watching like their parents, coaches, teammates and people who come they want to make sure they don’t waste any time on the court. But, there is one more thing they make sure they do. I.

Garcia says, “I usually take time to breathe and calm down to get rid of all the unwanted emotions. I always remember just to have fun.”

When time is free on their schedules, they make sure to make time for themselves. With most of it going into basketball, it takes away from doing things they enjoy. They find the trick to keeping themselves from being burnt out is to take breaks. The Garcias relieve their stress by playing with their dogs, going on runs or simply just relaxing.