By Leilani Valero.
Following in mom’s footsteps, as the lights click on and the anthem fades; numbers two, four and six play together on the field. Their sisterhood extends beyond the soccer field.
Marin Murray is number six, Mallon Murray is number four and Mason Murray is number two; all playing on a team together for the first time.
Coach Tiffany Van Hoose said Marin is very much of a ‘simple player’. She likes to keep possession and move the ball on the ground. Mason loves to run. She will play a pass and look to move into attacking spaces any chance she gets. Mallon plays tough. She gets stuck into tackles, she wins balls out of the air and she isn’t afraid of any contact from any player.
“I would say that we all have pretty similar playing styles,” senior midfielder Marin said. “We’re hardworking and don’t like to lose, so that’s a big part of what dictates how we play. It’s pretty exciting. I’m not sure if this has happened before, but it means a lot that I get to spend my senior season with both of my sisters on the field with me.”
The trio has definitely practiced together multiple times before playing at junior defender Mason said.
“I definitely think it’s special to see all three of us on the field,” Mason said. “For our parents it is super special because it’s kind of a full circle moment to see all three of their girls on the field.”
Marin said she started playing soccer when she was probably 4-years-old and has been playing ever since.
“It makes me excited and more comfortable because coming into the season I didn’t really know anyone,” freshman midfielder Mallon said. “I think we all work with the other people around us really well. We disagree sometimes and argue like any siblings would.”
While they each are so different, they are each very similar. They hold each to a higher standard and expect the most out of each other, Van Hoose said.
“They are each respectful, coachable and hard working,” Van Hoose said. “Every practice and every game you can guarantee that they will give everything they can. They hold each other to a high standard and expect the most out of each other, they never let one fall out of line or give less than their best.”
The girls demonstrate their determination by the many academic and athletic activities they’re involved in.
“They each have strengths that they bring to the team, and they each help make the team better,” Van Hoose said. “It’s a fun dynamic having all of them, don’t get me wrong, there are times when they get on each other’s nerves and they complain about each other, but what sisters don’t.”
The girls’ mom played college soccer and played growing up.
“Although I have played and coached soccer, I am their mom and biggest cheerleader and focus my attention on supporting each of them both on the field and off,” Maria said. “I’m a mom and cheerleader and focus on being their number one fan. I don’t talk about style or ability, that’s my rule. I will only talk about it if one of them asks me directly.”
