Update, Feb. 12: Senior captains, Jennifer and Michelle Rose, receive recognition for their performance in girls’ soccer after being voted First Team All-League.

While many athletes seem to be everywhere on the field at once, twin sisters Jennifer and Michelle Rose add to the confusion.

Although they have played soccer for ten years, the twins aggressive style of play was not always outgoing and competitive.

?We started playing soccer in kindergarten,? Jennifer said. ?When we started playing in high school during our freshman year, it was a little intimidating. We didn?t really know anyone on the team, and we were pretty shy.?

As new players on the team their freshman year, Jennifer and Michelle learned a starting position on the field through perseverance and observation.

?I started out my freshman year in a sling,? Michelle said. ?I broke my arm and it was not the best way to start on a new team. Although we were shy, now we are more vocal and in control on the team. We have learned more about the game by observing more experienced players through the years.”

Head coach Garret Markarian encouraged and support them, despite the game circumstances, allowing the team and twins to grow at their own pace.

?I appreciate Garret for all the time and effort he put into our team even though we are not the most skilled team,? Jennifer said. ?He pushed Michelle and I to improve our own skills and the team to get better.?

After spending time together on the team, teammate Melissa O’Leary, ’10, and the twins have become close friends both on and off the field.

“I remember one time we went to go see the movie ?P.S. I Love You? and made a bet that the twins wouldn’t cry because they never do,” O’Leary said. “Throughout the whole movie while I was crying, Jennifer and Michelle were laughing. I called them ‘stone girl and tin girl’ because they have no heart.”

As is the case with most goodbyes, dismissing their teammates at the end of the season will be difficult. On the other hand, scoring goals in college could lead to great experiences in their futures.

?We are thinking about playing soccer in college,? Michelle said. ?As of right now we are still unsure of continuing our soccer careers.?

While the final decision where to finish college remains unanswered, the twins plan on attending California State University, Fresno for their general education.

?We live about ten minutes away from Fresno State, and we have undeclared majors, so it seems perfect for the time being,? Jennifer said. ?Even though we will live at home, it?s a lot bigger and different than Fresno Christian, and we will have more freedom.?

Although the two enjoy soccer, another hobby includes winter sports with their family.

“We are the type of people that don’t like to sit around at home all day,” Jennifer said. “We really like to go snowboarding. We first got involved when an elementary friend invited us to learn with her. A few years later we decided to actually learn and try to excel in it.”

Identity confusion still prevails among peers and friends on campus, even though they have attended FC since sixth grade.

?I have been called Megan, Melissa, Jennifer and Lindsay,? Michelle said. ?I remember this year I was at a boys’ soccer game when (sophomore) Doug Daniel decided he needed to figure out who I was. After contemplating for awhile to decide who was who, he guessed my name was Lindsay, which seemed a little odd because neither of our names even start with ‘L’.?

As their high school soccer careers come to an end, Jennifer and Michelle will cherish their memories and give the remaining games their best.

“We will really miss playing in high school,” Jennifer said, “especially all the memories such as tournaments and car rides. I?ll never forget when coach Garret (Markarian) began to sing along to Fergie?s song, ‘Big Girls Don?t Cry’. Soccer has been our life and it will be difficult to change that.”

While the regular season has ended, the girls’ soccer team will next play Mendota in the first round of playoffs, Feb. 13.

For more information on soccer, visit Girls’ soccer sport shorts, 2007-08, Family, soccer teammates drive O’Leary, Four-year starter ends career, Rare beginning propels college dreams, Boys’ soccer sport shorts, 2007-08 or call head coach Garret Markarian at 709-0986.