Davila, Fikse sisters contribute motivation and connection

Many siblings want nothing more than to pull each other’s hair out, while others seem to enjoy each other’s company. Various families enroll siblings into Fresno Christian each year. With the campus supporting education from kindergarten to 12th grade, many students find their brothers and sisters walking the halls with them.

On the varsity girls basketball team two pairs of sisters play on the team together. Alina Davila, ‘19, and Juliette Davila, ‘17, both transferred from Caruthers High School last year and now play together on the campus basketball courts. Mariana Fikse, ‘18, and Julia Fikse, ‘19, work together on and off the court to hone their skills and perfect their game. Many of the girls who play on the team see both pairs of sisters positively impacting the team.

Girls varsity basketball coach, Robert Foshee sees his team setting the foundation for a lasting girls basketball program at FC. The sisters who he coaches have assisted in building the team by mentoring and leading the younger players.

“I think the the pairs of sisters do a great job on the court,” Foshee said. “I have coached siblings before, and it can be tough sometimes if they don’t get along or if they challenge each other. I think both of the sets of sisters do a great job. The older sisters mentor, the younger ones, and they see each other’s different gifts. It’s been a joy to see Mariana and Juliette speak into the lives of the younger ones.”

Three-year varsity player Mariana Fikse, ‘18, enjoys playing basketball with her younger sister, Julia. Over the time he has coached her, Foshee has seen Mariana grow into a team leader and example for the younger players.  

“It’s a lot of fun playing basketball with my sister,” Mariana said. “I play post and Julia plays wing, but sometimes she switches to post too. Our positions do work together. Whenever I score, it’s usually because she passed the ball to me. I do practice with Julia at home over the summer. However, we can’t practice during the basketball season because we get home so late after practice.”

I think the the pairs of sisters do a great job on the court. I have coached siblings before, and it can be tough sometimes if they don’t get along or if they challenge each other. I think both of the sets of sisters do a great job. The older sisters mentor, the younger ones, and they see each other’s different gifts. It’s been a joy to see Mariana and Juliette speak into the lives of the younger ones. — Robert Foshee

A team captain Erin Wilson, ‘18, finds the Davila’s squabbles to be comical as she plays with them on the court. However, Wilson also sees that the Fikse’s and Davila’s are serious contributors to the team’s improvement from last season. Wilson seeks to continue to improve the team’s record and add more wins to their season total.

“It’s really fun and entertaining to play with the sisters on the court, especially when they get into arguments with each other,” Wilson said. “The Fikse’s get along well together, and I see the Davila’s argue more in a sibling kind of way. The Davila and the Fikse sisters are a key part of this year’s girls basketball team.”

Playing the position of guard Alina Davila, ‘19, works with her sister, Juliette during each play on the court. According to Foshee, Alina possesses a great mindset for playing basketball. Davila plays guard, while her sister plays both post and guard.  

With Juliette graduating later this year, Alina will miss her sister’s presence on the court but plans to make the best of their last season together. Last year the sisters also played together at Caruthers on the varsity softball team. Alina does not attempt to compete with her sister while playing basketball. Her sister’s drive for success in sports surpasses her own motivations in athletics.

“Having my sister with me on the court is a real pleasure,” Alina said. “I like how if I ever need any extra help with a play I can always ask her. During our games, I love that I have my sister there because when I get confused, I don’t even need to ask her for help, she already knows. Knowing that I will not be attending high school with my sister next year makes me sad. I really enjoy knowing that I always have her there.”

As the basketball season comes to a close, playoffs are right around the corner. The team has two regular season games left, which will be held on Feb. 7 and Feb. 10. Both are home games, and the game on Feb. 10 will also be senior night. Senior, Juliette Davila will be honored during senior night, along with the rest of the senior girls that play on the basketball team.

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This writer can be reached via Twitter: Samuel Cross and via email: Samuel Cross.