Having a sibling is a very special thing, but playing on the same team creates an untouchable bond. Paityn Bruce, ’24, and Kwyn Bruce, ’26, are both members of the Redwood Varsity girls soccer team.
By: July Range
Paityn feels that she and her sister have “Always been close,” in whatever they do, soccer included. She says, “I feel like Kwyn and I have always had a good connection on the field as well as off.”
She adds, “I feel like it gives me more responsibility as a leader on the team because not only do I not want to let the team down, but I especially don’t want to let my sister down.”
The Bruces connection has continued to strengthen by playing together for their team. Paityn says, “I think being on the same team does help strengthen our bond because we continue to build trust in each other. We’re always with each other all the time due to practice games, etc.”
Kwyn adds by saying, “Having Paityn as a teammate really strengthens our bond. We have a great connection on the field, and we have great communication, so we play really well together which elevates our game.”
This 23-24 season, both Bruces are starters for the team. Paityn says, “I think it’s super cool that we both have the opportunity to be starters in the team. It takes a lot of hard work to be a starter on this team and I’m proud of Kywn for working her way up.”
Kwyn says, “It is really fun to be starters together. Before every game, we have our handshake.”
Paityn is back after a tough injury last season, and just in time for her senior season. She says, “After not playing last year I think that Kwyn was a big reason that I was excited to play. I also am glad to be able to play with her one last time!”
Coach Vieira explains that having siblings on the team is a unique experience. He says, “In the past, we’ve had sisters on the team, and it’s a cool dynamic because seeing them get to be together on the field is special for the kids and for their families.”
Vieira says the Bruce sisters work well together on the field. “They both have their different techniques, which helps our team in different ways.”
He says, “Paityn is more of a powerful player that likes to use her speed and strength to attack teams, while Kwyn is more of a pass and distribute player that uses her vision to find her teammates and create goal-scoring opportunities.”
Vieira says, “When they’re working together and combining their skill sets it’s pretty special.”
Soccer is a lot about connecting on the field and knowing what the other is thinking, which is beneficial to both Kwyn and Paityn. Vieira says, “They have so much familiarity with each other which is a positive for us as a team.”
July Range
July Range is a first year Journalist. She´s also a senior here at Redwood High School. July is a sports writer and has been enjoying working on features to highlight the achomplishments of athletes.
Tags: #athletics, #redwood, #soccer, #sports