Leaving one’s hometown for college is a common experience for most, but traveling across the country to play Division I soccer with a sibling can often raise eyebrows, especially when these athletes are twins. From freshman through senior year, Brianna and Aurrianna Parker have shared the field with one another, deepening their bond both on and off the turf. Their connection has provided them with immense support in soccer and in life.
The Parker twins left their home in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2022 to attend Temple University, hoping to continue their relationship with the sport they fell in love with. The Owls were the only school willing to have the twins join their squad as a pair.
“It was the only Division I school where we were able to play together,” shared Brianna. “It’s really hard for siblings to play together at a D1 level, so it was an opportunity for us to stay together.”
Before Temple, the twins played together for their entire soccer career, reaching their peak at Faith Lutheran High School. In their closing seasons, they would help lead their school to the second overall ranking in the state. The two would both earn First Team Mountain League honors. With the strong relationship they developed, the twins have utilized their bond to aid each other on the field.
“I feel like we just play better when we’re around each other,” said Aurrianna. “We have a connection on the field. It’s easier because we know each other’s playing styles, and growing up together, we just know how each other plays, so we’re always connecting on the field.”
“When she’s playing well, it makes me want to play well,” Brianna shared. “I see that she’s having a great game, and it inspires and motivates me to play better and harder.”
While growing up has helped tremendously with their soccer careers, it has also helped them adapt to their new environment. Many come to college by themselves, but the Parker pair had each other to lean on.
“My freshman year was a different environment we came into; it was a tough environment,” shared Aurrianna. “I was really scared all the time, and I got to come into a role where I got to play a lot, [but] I just didn’t have that confidence…I think I got that confidence from Bri; she supported me all the way, even if I had a tough game, she reminded me of all the other games that I’ve played…, I just feel like I wouldn’t have had the first year that I had or got the awards that I got without her.”
Her experience highlights the importance of support, something Brianna has also felt, describing their duo as a comforting presence during their time at Temple.
“It’s like bringing a piece of home. So honestly, it’s just comfortable,” Brianna adds.
As siblings who have celebrated every milestone together, the two have developed a routine of holding each other accountable and striving for greatness.
“We’re very competitive, so we always push each other to be the best at everything that we do,” shared Brianna. “…Because we have this relationship, we’re able to be the best at everything we do.”
The pair’s competitive nature is as fierce as their bond is close. A bond that, Brianna believes, is beyond typical family relationships.
“A twin bond is like, it’s unimaginable,” said Brianna. “Every time we have to explain it, it’s not a sibling bond, it’s like she feels like me.”
A lifetime together, along with the opportunity to share the field at Temple, has only deepened the two’s relationship. As their senior year comes to a close, their bond continues to grow.
“She’s like everything, I wouldn’t have a life without her,” said Aurrianna.