By Whitney Spencer
Siblings share many things growing up—everything from a room, to toys, to clothes. For Haley and Lacey Jurich, they not only share the obvious physical characteristics, but they also share something even deeper. These twins share a passion for the game of field hockey and a love for the University of Louisville.
Haley and Lacey have been playing field hockey together since they were in grade school. The same person who is helping them develop their skills now, introduced them to the game of field hockey when they were young.
“Pam Bustin held an all sports clinic,” said Lacey. “Haley and I were walking around and we saw field hockey. Our dad introduced us to her and she helped us play a little bit. Ever since then we’ve been playing.”
As graduates of Christian Academy of Louisville, and with numerous accolades on and off the field, the girls had several offers to play field hockey at other universities. But they felt a close connection with U of L. Their father is Tom Jurich, the athletic director at the university, and their older brother Mark Jurich played baseball here as well.
Lacey and Haley have been around the University of Louisville and its athletic programs for years. Though their family has been completely dedicated to U of L, the girls saw something more that led them to attend school and play field hockey for the Cardinals.
“Our whole family respects and puts so much effort into this university,” said Lacey. “It’s where my dad and my brother’s hearts are, so I’m just glad to be a part of that.”
“It’s been my whole life for like twelve years,” said Haley. “We’ve gone to all these tournaments and all these sporting events. It’s kind of like a dream come true being here, because we always watched the teams.”
With an impressive start to the season, the Cardinals are 5-3 and looking to be in the hunt for the Big East title. Haley and Lacey have both been vital to the Cards’ success so far this season. Though expectations are high, neither one feels any added pressure to perform, because of who their father is or because of their family’s connection to U of L.
“I always want to perform to my best,” said Haley. “He always expects me to work hard. Even if I do mess up—as long I am working hard, that is what is important.”
“I don’t [feel pressure],” said Lacey. “No matter what I want to do, I don’t want to disappoint him. At the same time, I don’t want to disappoint my coaches or my teammates. So I will always work hard.”
Siblings share a lot in their lifetime. For these twins who have shared so much, they are still very different people. But they share a love for the University of Louisville athletics and the field hockey program. These sisters also share a common goal. And that is to bring a national championship to the field hockey team. With the dedication that Lacey and Haley show, they just might have one more thing to share.
