Gator Soccer Twins Live Their Dream

It’s often said that twins have an inseparable bond not many others can relate to. But rarely do twin athletes who play at a high level, get to play together.

Yet, Lauren and Brooke Smith are enjoying the luxury of playing on the same squad and the benefits are evident on and off the field.

“I think that we know each other so well on the field,” said Lauren. “It kind of comes naturally to be able to find her [Brooke], and to know where she is going to run.”

Lauren and Brooke are the first set of twins to ever play on the Florida Gator soccer team. Lauren plays defender and is studying political science; Brooke plays midfielder and is studying fitness and wellness. Playing together has allowed the Smiths to help each other reach their goals.

“When she [Brooke] is down obviously I know the things that would pick her up,” said Lauren. “After a bad practice, [I can] just pull her to the side, and I can talk to her and tell her ‘you know you need to get the next ball.’ Just knowing the right things to say.”

Lauren and Brooke were raised in Eustis, Florida, a city with the population just under 20,000 according to the Census Bureau. Both of them attended Eustis High School, where they helped take the soccer team as far as the Florida High School Association 3A Championship semifinal round.

Growing up, the Smiths always tried to one up each other.

“We’re basically competitive in everything.” said Lauren. “We used to do sprints when we were growing up at night, just to see who was faster. We used to be competitive in classes just to see who can get better grades on tests if we were in the same class. Basically, in everything and anything we did it was a competition.”

The pair is essentially two of a kind on the surface. Both excel academically as members of the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll, they were on the Olympic Development Program, and even continue to train on and off the field together. Although, Lauren does note that Brooke is a little more “outgoing.”

The twins started playing soccer at the age of five, and have played on every team together since.The Smiths are living out one of their childhood dreams by playing on the field together for the Gators.

“Growing up I’ve always been a Gator fan, my dad went to school here.” said Brooke. “It was a dream to come here when I was little, so actually being here is awesome.

Both Lauren and Brooke haven’t decided what they want to do after they finish playing soccer, and attending the University of Florida. However, the Smiths do share one goal in mind.

“Hopefully by the end of the year the ultimate goal is to win a National Championship,” said Brooke.

About Richard Gomez

Check Also

Orange & Blue Sports Network

Catch the student-led broadcasts from the College of Journalism and Communications right here.

LIVE THREAD: National Signing Day

Here’s an updated thread of all the recruits who picked the Gator hat today! RB …

AFC Divisional Round Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers

During last weekend’s NFL Wild Card round, the Steelers made a statement by handing the Dolphins a …

Houston Looking For an Upset in Foxborough

The saying has always been “it’s hard to beat a good team twice,” and in …

Blue Jackets vs. Lightning Tonight

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Tampa Bay Lightning will be facing each other once …

Possible Additions to McElwain’s Recruiting Class Visiting this Weekend

With National Signing Day less than three weeks away, the Gators are hosting several talented …

Florida Gymnastics Prepares for Season Opener

GAINESVILLE, FL – The Florida Gator gymnastics team will kick off their season this Sunday …

Surprised Gators Promote Randy Shannon To Defensive Coordinator? You Shouldn’t Be

Florida’s head coach, Jim McElwain, announced Friday morning that Randy Shannon would be making the …

Quarterbacks in Spotlight for NFL Wild Card Weekend

The NFL Wild Card kicks off Saturday and the quarterback situations could not be any more different. On …

College Football Playoff Shakes Up Schedule

The College Football Playoff was a success in its first year. Yet, that doesn’t stop …

Michael Jordan Speaks out about Shootings, Police Officers

NBA great Michael Jordan opened up about his thoughts about shootings of African-Americans and the …

Treon Harris to Transfer

With the college football season approaching, the Florida Gators have announced that former starting QB …

USA Basketball Wins Second Exhibition Game

Just a few short days after their big win over Argentina, team USA won its …

Charlotte Is No Longer The Home Of The 2017 NBA All-Star Game

The House Bill 2 came between Charlotte, North Carolina and the 2017 All-Star Game. The …

Tampa Bay Rays Continue Series Against Oakland

The Tampa Bay Rays are continuing their three-game winning streak. The Rays defeated the Oakland …

MLB Preview Tonight

It’s summer time—the best time to go to a baseball game and experience the atmosphere. …

Braves Begin Series With Rockies

The Atlanta Braves (33-62) open up a four-game road series with the Rockies (43-51) tonight …

Marlins To Close Out Series With The Phillies

The Miami Marlins are in the middle of a crucial ten game span against NL East …

Rays Crush Rockies 11-3, Face A’s Next

In the midst of a terrible season that has seen the Tampa Bay Rays (37-57) …

American League Second Half Outlook

The second half of the baseball season is in full swing which translates to? Pennant races. Teams …

National League Evening Preview

Tonight is a busy night for the National League in the MLB. Starting with the …

Big 12 Looks To Expand

Following a Tuesday meeting between Big 12 presidents, Oklahoma president David Boren announced that the …

LSU Looks To Capitalize On Its Opportunity

The Louisiana State University Tigers will enter the 2016 college football season with high expectations, …

Muschamp Helps Close Out SEC Media Days 2016

It wasn’t Will Muschamps first SEC Media Days experience, but 2016 marked the first time …

Phil Mickelson Leads British Open After First Day

The 145th annual 2016 British Open is underway at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. The …

Missouri’s Football Crisis: Rebuilding A Program

On the final day of SEC Media Days, Barry Odom took the stand as Missouri’s head …

Second Half Of MLB Season Begins

The All-Star Break is a good time for teams to rest up and reform themselves …

British Open Underway

The 145th Open Championship is already underway at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. Welcome …

Newberry Softball Caps Week With Third Run-Rule Win In A Row

By Hannah Getman and Adam Edelin  The Newberry High School softball team beat the Eastside …