Bernardi Twins Bring Familial Bond to Field Hockey Team

11/6/2015 10:13:00 AM | Field Hockey

By: Martina Barrera-Hernandez

By Martina Barrera-Hernandez
Northwestern Athletic Communications

In sports it is often said that your teammates become your family. For Northwestern field hockey team's seniors and twin sisters, Ashley and Lauren Bernardi, teammates really are family.

The Bernardi twins, who grew in Pittston, Pennsylvania, never expected to attend the same university; but, when it came to choosing, they were both sold on Northwestern's blend of challenging academics and Division 1 athletics. Their unique situation has allowed them to experience college with a "built-in buddy" by their side, Ashley notes, on and off the field.

"Whether I realize it or not, I always counted on her being there if I needed anything because she loves me and she's a good sister," Ashley says. "I honestly don't know how it would have been if we ended up at different schools because we've never been apart for that long."

The twins were not the only ones that benefited from having each other to support them during the adjustment to college as varsity athletes. Their influence also became a key component of team culture, says team captain from Dublin, Ireland, Lisa McCarthy. According to McCarthy, even before starting her career at Northwestern, Ashley reached out to her in Ireland. For McCarthy, who is also currently one of Lauren's roommates, this perfectly captures the spirit and approachability of the Bernardis. The captain attributes part of the "familial feel" of the field hockey team to the affability that the twins bring to the group.

"When freshman join our team, the Bernardis are the first ones that are going to offer to help," McCarthy says. "This is important because it shows our freshman … that we really accept people. They support our young teammates coming in and I think that makes our team culture really welcoming. It helps with the confidence of our young players."

Head Coach Tracey Fuchs notes that the twins have made a significant contribution to the squad. She notes that even though their personalities may be very different they both have left their imprint on the team on and off the field.

"[The twins] … are going to be really missed and I think the best thing about them is they're just good people and have left a lasting mark on our program," Fuchs says.

There is no doubt that Ashley and Lauren are going to be missed for more than their abilities on the field.

"I'm just incredibly lucky to have had the pair my four years at Northwestern," McCarthy says. "I'm lucky to have them in my life and to hopefully have them in my life after graduation."

This upcoming Winter Quarter, Ashley will be studying abroad in Ireland. While she is excited about the opportunity, this is the first time Lauren and Ashley will be apart for more than a month at a time. For spring break, Lauren will visit Ashley in Ireland to reunite after the unprecedented experience.

Looking ahead, the twins are faced with the reality of each having to follow their own path for the first time since embarking in their college careers together.

"We don't really know what's in store for us next," Lauren says. "We are individuals, and we do realize that we can't stay together forever. We're following different paths and studying different things. There will definitely be a day where we're not in the same place and that'll be new for us."

Ashley will graduate with a major in biological anthropology and Lauren will finish with a major in psychology and a certificate in integrated marketing communications. Although graduation will doubtless signify a change for them, not much may be lost: They'll always have each other as teammates and sisters.