One ranks 10th nationally in points, the other is 10th in rebounds. Both are integral to the Wildcats’ success in women’s basketball this season.
Jamie and Jody Meyer grew up in Minneapolis idolizing Kevin Garnett, a star center for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now the Meyer twins are star centers for a team riding a five-game winning streak, following a win over ninth-ranked West Texas A&M.
“That game has to be up there in the most fun games I have ever played in,” said Jamie, an elementary education major.
The Meyers’ dad coached them growing up, and they have been playing basketball since first grade. Because they play on the same team, Jamie and Jody love getting a chance to play against in each other in practice.
“We don’t really have any competition against each other during games, but in practice, it gets kind of intense when we guard each other,” said Jody, an accounting major.
Basketball doesn’t consume the women’s lives, however; both enjoy playing other sports, including tennis and volleyball. But they made it clear they aren’t nearly as good at those as they are at basketball.
“Nobody works harder than those two girls; if the gym is open, they are in it,” said head coach Shawna Lavender. “It is no accident that they are as good as they are.”
Although the twins are in the top five in most offensive categories in the Lone Star Conference, they are all about the team. Jamie and Jody’s favorite thing about playing basketball involve their teammates, and how much they love their team.
“It is kind of cool being ranked, but it is more exciting that we are doing well as a team,” Jamie said. “We have a lot of talent, and we are playing very well together. We just need to keep our focus.”
Being twins doesn’t mean they play the same on the court. According to Lavender, they play two different styles of basketball.
“Jody is your gritty, physical player,” Lavender said. “Jamie is more finesse and looks to find an open shot.”
They may have different styles, but they’re both shooting for the same goal this season.
“Our goal for this year is to win the conference and get back to the regional tournament,” Jody said. “With the win over WT on Saturday, we have a good shot.”
Neither sister wants to continue playing basketball after college, although Jody said she may try to get into coaching. Both are looking into graduate school and furthering their education.
