Double Trouble: The athletic twins of UMKC and how their dynamics benefit the team

   In the 2025-2026 school year, UMKC will have three sets of twins in the women’s athletic programs: two on the women’s soccer team and one on the women’s basketball team. 

   Twins are rare, and those playing as Division 1 athletes for the same team are even more unique, making these upcoming seasons historic. 

   “Off the field, we might get into arguments, but I feel like on the field is where we are most closely related,” said Olyvia Pugh, who plays as a defender on the women’s soccer team and is majoring in biomedical engineering. 

   Olyvia and Breckynn Pugh are identical twin sisters who have been playing soccer together since they were three. 

   “If one of us is having a really good game, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re both having a good game, but it can push the other one to do better,” said Breckynn who plays forward and is double majoring in biology and chemistry.

   Playing on the same team has helped the Pugh twins, even being recruited together due to how well they compliment each other as players. While playing together collegiately was a coincidence, they were grateful to continue their athletic careers as it had always been, together.

   “It would be weird to not be at the same college, especially if we had to play each other,” said Breckynn. 

   Individually, twins and siblings in athletics have to prove themselves the same as any other player, however they may push each other through their training to improve. Stronger communications and awareness of habits is easier the longer teammates play together.

   Emilia and Delfina Zolesio Fernandez Blanco are identical twins who have been playing together since they were three, similar to the Pugh twins. Growing up in Argentina, they played with boys until they were 12 since it was less common for girls to play soccer. 

   “Everyone looked at us weird, it was nice having someone next to you doing the same thing,” said Delfina, who plays as a midfielder.. 

   Both are majoring in sports management and business administration, which gives them an increased amount of time together. 

   “We’re two different people at the end of the day. We play better when we’re on the same team, but what I do or not, it’s up to me,” said Emilia, who is a defender. 

   For any sport, having a twin or sibling can boost the level of communication. 

   “Playing basketball, you have to know who you’re playing with, their style of play. Having a sister makes it easier, honestly it makes it more comfortable,” said Emani Bennett, a guard for the basketball team and psychology major. 

   Emani and Elauni Bennett have always played on the same team, but also grew up playing with their cousins in Kansas City. 

   “Going to college is already a big jump, but having a sibling and being at home has some extra benefits,” said Elauni, a forward and health science major. 

   All three sets of twins found it beneficial to their personal performance by playing together, as it has pushed them to improve their own skills based on those of their twin.

   “We’re very happy to be able to do it, it’s not a lot of twins you get to see playing together, especially at this level,” said Elauni. 

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