Article By: Mark Bryson
"No, never," said Courtney. "It never even crossed our minds."
"Family is important to us," added Candice, "and we wanted to stay together."
And now it's official — stay together, they will.
The Cambridge twins committed their future
to the University of Vermont on Thursday night at Waterloo Collegiate
Institute, signing national letters of intent to play NCAA Division 1
basketball for the Catamounts.
The 17-year-old sisters, who verbally
committed to Vermont in October of 2013, will begin classes in late June
on scholarships for the 2015-2016 academic year.
"I'm really excited. It's something you
always dream about as a basketball player and it's good to finally make
this a reality," said Courtney.
"I'm really excited to start something new,"
added Candice. "It's been a bit stressful, but I think it will be good
once we get there."
The Wrights play their club basketball with
the Tri-County Thunder and have been basketball, volleyball and track and
field standouts during their four years at Jacob Hespeler Secondary
School.
Courtney even has an OFSAA gold medal to her
credit, finishing first in the triple jump at the 2013 all-Ontario
championship in Oshawa.
"That's something I'll never forget," said Courtney.
Nor will she ever forget the serious injury she suffered last February.
Courtney tore the anterior cruciate ligament
in her left knee while playing for the Thunder and underwent surgery in
April.
She returned to play volleyball and basketball in December.
"It was frustrating, but I learned a lot. I
value the game more now because I know it can be taken away from you
just like that," she said.
The twins also made visits to Toledo (Ohio) and Niagara (N.Y.) before deciding on Vermont.
Canadian schools were considered as well.
The twins paid a visit to Memorial University in Newfoundland, where
their older sister, Brooklynn, plays for the Sea-Hawks.
"That wasn't really an option, though," said Candice. "It's too far."
The twins bring different skills to the hardwood.
Candice is a cerebral, six-foot-two forward
who drives to the basket well and possesses a good shot from outside.
Courtney is a passionate six-foot
guard/forward who uses her athleticism and speed to her advantage. She's
a strong rebounder and fiery competitor.
They have played on the same team for the
past 10 years, starting in Cambridge and moving to the KW Lightning four
years ago. They are now in their second season with Tricounty Thunder.
They are now looking forward to creating new
memories in Vermont, as classmates, teammates and roommates.
"It would have been weird to be apart," said
Candice, the older of the two by 10 minutes. "We've been together our
whole lives and have played together since Grade 2, so it's natural."
The Wrights are joining a team that has
nowhere to go but up. The Catamounts posted a 5-24 overall record this
season, including a 2-14 mark in the America East Conference.
Waterloo Region, of course, has a history of sending strong players to Vermont.
Waterloo-Oxford alum Aaron Yantzi enjoyed
four outstanding seasons with the Catamounts and last year was inducted
into the university's athletic hall of fame.
Waterloo Collegiate's May Kotsopoulos was
also a standout with the Catamounts. She went on to play professionally
in Greece.
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