For Nicole and Jessica Lee, their love for soccer started before they could even remember. As soon as they could walk, they were in cleats. The two varsity captains are starting their last playoff run as Bobcats. This feat has been long coming, and it is such a sweet ending to a playing career, starting back when the twins were little.
With both their dad and uncle playing the sport, soccer was always on in the Lee household.
“Instead of watching cartoons like normal kids, we always had some sort of soccer game on,” Nikki said.
They joined their first recreational soccer team at five years old. A simple game to keep them busy during the school year soon transformed into a lifelong passion.
“I loved it from the start,” Jessi said. “It gave me motivation to do something as a kid besides just playing with toys. Soccer helps you develop leadership and just become a better person.”
When they realized soccer was serious, they joined their first soccer club called Pinecrest Premier, where they truly bloomed as players and people. They’ve spent their whole lives with this club and interacted with a plethora of coaches and teammates.
“Pincrest has opened so many doors for me and allowed me to travel everywhere for soccer,” Nikki said. “My favorite place we traveled to was California. Playing with the mountains in the background and perfect weather felt unreal.”
Past allowing them to play all around the country, Pinecrest has introduced them to lifelong friends and also helped them choose where they would attend high school.
“Carrollton has a great academic reputation,” Jessi said, “but Nikki and I couldn’t pass up Lourdes. Playing for Lourdes soccer had been our dream since middle school. I would go to their games and just be in awe of the crowd and the energy. I knew I wanted to be part of that.”
Since the start, the twins have made their mark on the soccer program at school, with both of them from the start making the varsity soccer team. Furthermore, they both played significant minutes in the state championship game that very same year, despite being the rookies.
“Making varsity freshman year was our dream our whole lives. Now the four freshmen who made varsity back then are the senior captains now. It is such a wholesome moment that we get to finish this together,” Jessi said.
Now seniors, the twins are not just players. They are captains.
“Being captain means so much,” Nikki said. “My dream was just to make the team, and now I get to lead it.
Beyond the team, sharing the field with as twins is something neither of them will ever forget.
“I’m happy I get to do this last step with Nikki because she’s been by my side this whole journey,” Jessi said.
“Playing next to Jessi is awesome,” Nikki said. “Our chemistry is unmatched. We’ve been playing together our whole lives. We even practiced in our living room and broke half the blinds. We know exactly what each other is thinking on the field.”
As seniors and captains, the twins reflect on a journey that has shaped both their soccer careers and their time at Lourdes. The girls are hoping to finish off the season strong at the state championship match. No matter the outcome, their legacy will continue to shape the soccer program for years to come. Finishing their final season together is a fitting conclusion to years of shared commitment to not only their sport but also their passion.
