Sometimes, the stories we share here are big, regional, and wide-reaching.
And sometimes, they’re right in our own backyard, rooted in the kind of community moments that deserve just as much attention.
This is one of those stories.
If you’ve followed along, you may remember when we shared about Nancy Roberson and her lasting impact on girls athletics in Bath. An impact that began with building running programs to shape generations of student-athletes.
One of the things she reflected on? There was a time when it wasn’t unusual to see multiple siblings on the same team.
Part of that was practical, families were often larger, opportunities looked different, but part of it was something deeper: community, continuity, and kids growing up together, not just in school, but in sports.
And this year, we’re seeing that come full circle.
The Bath girls soccer team currently has FIVE sets of siblings on the roster.
From freshmen to seniors, these sisters aren’t just on the same team, they’re actively playing, contributing, and sharing the field together every single game.
In a larger district, this might not be as common. In a community like Bath, it feels both unique and exactly right.
Because this isn’t just about numbers on a roster, it’s about:
⚽️ Younger sisters stepping into spaces they’ve watched for years
⚽️ Older sisters leading by example, on and off the field
⚽️ Families spending seasons together in a way that goes by fast
⚽️ A program that creates room for connection, not just competition.
There’s something powerful about sharing the same jersey, the same sidelines, the same wins and losses, with someone who knows you beyond the game. And in a school where teams often span multiple grade levels, those opportunities show up in ways they might not elsewhere.
This isn’t about just a team. It’s a reflection of a community that grows together.
Coming Soon: Meet the Sisters. (updates below)
We are just getting started. In the coming days, we’ll be introducing each set of sisters sharing more about what it’s like to take the field together in a season like this. Because behind this story are real relationships, real routines, and a lot of shared rides home. And snacks, so many snacks.
Inside a Bath soccer practice. (updates below)
What does it actually look like when five sets of siblings share the same field?
From warm-ups to drills to scrimmages, there’s a rhythm that’s a little different, and a little special. There’s built-in communication, quick understanding, and a level of trust that doesn’t need to be taught.
We’ll be taking a closer look at how practices run, how coaches manage it, and how this dynamic shows up long before game time.
How It works on the field and game day brings a whole new layer.
Do sisters play side by side?
Do they push each other harder, or already know exactly where the other will be?
There’s a balance between familiarity and competition, and it’s one we’re excited to explore with players and coaches alike.
This season of Bath girls soccer is something special and we are looking forward to sharing more!
UPDATE: What Coaches Are Seeing From the Sidelines
As this story began making its way around the community, we had the opportunity to hear from coaches and leaders connected to the Bath soccer program, and their reflections added even more depth to what this season represents.
Further confirming this is a connection that often starts years before varsity.
Bath youth coach Steve Torok says the number of siblings coming through the program speaks volumes about the culture families have experienced over time.
“Families don’t keep bringing younger siblings through a program unless they genuinely enjoy being part of it and feel connected to the people involved,” he shared.
He describes Bath soccer as something kids grow up around long before they ever officially join a team.
“A lot of these kids grow up on the sidelines watching older brothers and sisters play, helping at events, kicking balls around after games, and eventually they want to be part of it too.”
And honestly, if you’ve spent any time around local youth sports, you’ve probably seen exactly what he means: younger siblings trailing behind with soccer balls at their feet, hanging near the fence during warmups, or claiming a patch of grass behind the goal as their own little field before someday stepping onto the real one themselves.
“That kind of thing only happens when the environment is positive, welcoming, and fun for families year after year,” Steve explained. “To me, it really shows that Bath soccer has become more than just a sports program, it’s a community families want to stay involved with and keep coming back to.”
He also laughed about how younger sisters often end up following the exact same path as their older siblings without anyone formally planning it.
“Younger sisters spend years around the fields watching games, hanging around practices, eating concession stand snacks, and tagging along to everything, so eventually they decide they want in too.”
And maybe that’s part of what makes this season feel so special.
Some of these girls have quite literally been watching this team for years before they ever wore the jersey themselves.
Carolyn Hoard of the Bath Soccer Club shared that the excitement surrounding girls soccer often starts long before varsity.
“Growing up, my oldest daughter always talked about how she couldn’t wait to play on the varsity team,” she shared. “Little did she know, in the background were her three little sisters watching her grow as a player and talk about her love of the game, which in return fueled their love and desire to play for BSC.”
She described the culture surrounding the program as “electric and contagious,” explaining that younger players grow up watching older girls compete, celebrate, work hard, and build friendships they hope to one day experience themselves.
“Seeing other women work hard, be competitive, aggressive, sweat, get dirty, etc. used to be frowned upon,” Carolyn said. “Now I see little girls lining up for a chance to be a part of the BSC family and I love it.”
Bath assistant coach Megan Cook says having five sets of sisters on one roster has created something special within the team dynamic.
“It has been something really amazing,” she shared. “I think it is really fun to watch how they push and support their siblings in their own unique way.”
Cook explained that each sibling set brings different personalities and energy to the field, which helps the athletes grow individually while still sharing that family connection.
And when asked whether she mostly sees sisters or simply one connected team when she looks out at the field, her answer was immediate:
“One team for sure.”
“This team feels like they all are sisters together. I think that dynamic has helped lead us to so much success this year.”
And maybe that’s the real story here.
😊⚽️🩷
UPDATE: Bath Community Schools Athletic Director, Erik Harrelson shares about the program and how families make it successful.
“ I believe the success of the girls soccer program can be directly attributed to the family atmosphere cultivated at the youth level. We’re very fortunate to have people like Steve Torok who work tirelessly to promote soccer at the youth level. Younger sisters can see what a positive impact soccer has on their siblings and want to be a part of the program. Many of the younger sisters have watched their older sisters from the sidelines as ball shaggers and aspire to have the same success. Having five sets of sisters on the same team has been quite a unique phenomenon. The sense of pride that their parents have while watching their daughters play is obvious and infectious.”
UPDATE; Sisters share…
What is it like having your sister on the team?
The answers ranged from sweet to honest, with plenty of sisterly love mixed in.
Braelynn shared that it was a good experience, even if her sister could be a little annoying at times. #sisterlove was definitely strong in many of these responses.
Emily described it as very eventful, while Lydia said it was definitely entertaining.
Ashlyn said it was fun, but as she passed the microphone to her goalie sister, Sophia, she admitted it could also be annoying sometimes. Sophia quickly added that it was frustrating being with your sister 24/7.
Jaydin summed it up simply as, “okay.” Meanwhile, Allie said it was pretty cool.
What is one of your favorite memories from the season of sisters?
The answers were exactly what you might expect from a group of sisters, some funny, some sarcastic, and some simply different perspectives on the very same moment.
Jaydin shared that one of her favorite memories was scoring a goal and celebrating with a hug from her sister afterward. Braelynn remembered that play a little differently, laughing that she passed the ball to Jaydin, who then kicked it right to the goalie — meaning no goal and no assist.
Allie’s favorite memory came with a smile as she recalled being about to score when Lydia swooped in and stole the goal. Coincidentally, that was Lydia’s favorite memory too (although Lydia remembers it as a great moment and was thankful for Allie’s assist).
Ashlyn shared that scoring a goal and celebrating with a “scuba” was one of her favorite moments of the season. Sophia quickly pointed out that it was her favorite memory too, joking that her little sister had stolen it.
For Isabella, a favorite memory was simply seeing one another on the field and sharing sister hugs afterward. Emily agreed, saying those moments stand out for her as well, while also looking ahead and noting that there are still more memories to be made.
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