Get to know Egg Harbor Township HS tennis players, sisters Lauren and Jamie Theophall
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Speaking with Egg Harbor Township High School seniors, Lauren and Jamie Theophall, the similarities are striking.
They respond to each question in unison: their favorite band is Glass Animals, Disney is a favorite destination, and if they鈥檙e not catching a tennis match, their preferred sport to watch is professional wrestling. The sisters also happen to be fraternal twins and they occupy two of the top three singles positions on the varsity tennis team. In short, their tastes are as similar as their talents.
鈥淔rom a young age, they tried different sports,鈥� mother and EHT High School counselor, Nicole Harris recalls. 鈥淔irst was soccer, but they didn鈥檛 like all the chaos. The girls also got frustrated when they didn鈥檛 get the ball. Next was tee ball, which they liked more鈥攅veryone had a designated spot鈥攂ut they still had to wait in a line-up to get a chance to swing at the ball.鈥�
The twins went on to try tennis, which suited them best, especially since the ball is always in play. The sport also complimented their similar dispositions and at age five, the twins started with clinics and recreational play in EHT, demonstrating a natural swing from the start.
Recognizing their interest and talent, Nicole soon sought out professional lessons and found the perfect instructor in Homer Pangilinan.
鈥淚 remember their first lessons, and their racquets were almost as big as they were,鈥� Homer laughs, remembering. 鈥淭hey were quiet and focused during their lessons, and then we鈥檇 break and Lauren would do the worm and Jamie would cartwheel around the court. It鈥檚 amazing to think they are seniors now, and it鈥檚 been a privilege to coach them.鈥�
As the girls progressed, they sought more competitive match play, traveling to Arrowhead Tennis Club in Medford, New Jersey where tougher talent helped to elevate their game. The best competition, however, remained closer to home.
鈥淧eople usually assume we are doubles partners,鈥� Jamie laughs, 鈥渂ut we are competitors, which helps us push each other.鈥�
鈥淗onestly, we make each other better players,鈥� Lauren adds. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a good rivalry.鈥�
The sisters鈥� competitive drive not only resulted in improved tennis and tournament success, it also put them in position to make an impact on the Egg Harbor Township high school team.
鈥淥ur goal was to make varsity as freshmen,鈥� Lauren shares, 鈥渁nd our season turned out to be more than we expected.鈥�
As freshmen, Jamie secured the third singles position on the varsity team, and Lauren joined Tiffany Tran as the formidable first doubles varsity pair. By season鈥檚 end, Jamie was named EHT High School鈥檚 Fall Season 鈥淩ookie of the Year鈥� and Girls Tennis MVP, and Lauren and Tiffany found the perfect pair synergy.
鈥淭iffany and I remained doubles partners for my sophomore year, and we were named South Jersey All Stars,鈥� Lauren recalls, an achievement resulting from their 12-1 season record. It would also be her last season with a partner, going on to claim a top three singles spot for both her junior and senior years.
For sister Jamie, her success on the court also translated to more recognitions, including The Press of Atlantic City鈥檚 All Star team for her junior year. Now seniors, both sisters have a new goal鈥攐ne they hope to share.
鈥淔or our senior year, we want to be co-MVPs for the girls tennis season,鈥� Jamie shares, 鈥渂ut for our team, I want to see someone win the CAL.鈥�
Whatever the season brings, we are excited to cheer on the tennis twins and also wish them well on their post high school endeavors. Both are committed to Stockton University where they鈥檒l continue their tennis successes as Ospreys.
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