Sibling revelry: CCHS field hockey’s five sister combos
Being a part of the same program deepens their bonds, provides a support system, and helps them become their best selves.
What are the odds of a school’s field hockey program boasting five sister groups? Not great, but Acton-Carlisle High School field hockey isn’t any ordinary program.
This season, the CCHS program includes five sister combinations: Sophia and Summer Arif; Ada and Ellie Bridgman; Brynn and Mallory Chaffee; Maddie, Ceci, and Evie Clancy; and Nadia and Maddie Minkin.
As of October 20, Patriots field hockey teams had collectively won 29 of 39 matches this season, with just four losses and six ties. The varsity is 8-3-4, junior varsity stands at 13-1-1, and the freshman squad is undefeated at 8-0-1. Success goes far beyond statistics, though.
For the sister groups, being a part of the same program deepens their bonds, provides a support system, and helps them become their best selves.
‘There for each other’
“Having a sister for that makes it even more special,” says senior and varsity co-captain Brynn Chaffee, who will continue her field hockey career at Trinity College next year. She cherishes this season with her younger sister, Mallory, a freshman on the varsity team.
“We spend a lot of time together in general, driving places,” Brynn says, “but also telling each other we’re there for each other and always supporting each other.”
Build through bonding
The three Clancy sisters make up the Patriots’ largest sister group: Maddie, a senior varsity starter; Ceci, a sophomore varsity starter; and Evie, an eighth grader on the freshman team.
“In the summer, we [practiced] together, knowing that we were going into a season together,” Ceci says. “We came to the turf almost every night, and we’d do sprints together, and we’d do some playing and passing together. So it’s a good way to build up skills and also bond.” Although they don’t see each other much during school hours, they say their connection has deepened during their on-field time, through late-night summer training sessions and shared practices.
‘Really supportive’
Each sister group is like its own thread, adding a unique piece to the woven tapestry that is the field hockey program. Senior varsity player Sophia Arif and her younger sister, freshman player Summer, participated in Sticks for Cancer together this fall. “We’ve always been really supportive of each other,” Sophia says. “Having that in a high school sport atmosphere lifts everything up and makes it a lot more fun.”
Mutual respect
The Minkin sisters, senior Nadia and junior Maddie, both varsity players, admit they’ve had occasional disagreements but say those moments have helped them grow together, and they hope other sibling athletes entering CCHS can learn from them.
“Look up to your older sibling and respect them and try not to fight at practice,” Maddie says. “Be there for your younger sibling,” Nadia adds. “Work together, not against each other.”
‘Make the most of it’
Meanwhile, junior Ada Bridgman and her sister, freshman Ellie, are cherishing their time as JV teammates. “It’s your last years together, so make the most of it,” Ellie says.
For many at CCHS, the athletics program helps them build unbreakable bonds, cultivate lasting friendships, and discover a sense of belonging.
As Ada Bridgman says, “It’s more than just a sport; everyone’s so close. It’s been great.”
