Many pairs of siblings attend Houghton, but one aspect of their college experience heightens through their relationship at teammates. Brothers Jared and Jesse Toth and Sisters Lindsay and Hattie Burgher have experienced life at Houghton as both fellow students and teammates.
Sophomore Jesse Toth’s decision to attend Houghton last year came almost completely from the fact that his older brother, now a fifth year senior, Jared attended Houghton. Jesse and Jared had the opportunity to play on their high school’s soccer team together for one year, while Jared was a senior and Jesse a first year. Because of an injury during Jared’s sophomore year playing for Houghton, he gained an extra season of eligibility. He was able to play for an additional season and this was “surprisingly a blessing” to Jesse. He said, “Playing with my brother in high school was one of the best experiences I ever had and I wasn’t about to pass up playing two years with him here at Houghton.”
The brothers shared nothing but positive experiences and benefits of attending the same college and playing on the same team. They said the biggest benefit they bring to their team is their chemistry and understanding of each other on the field. While playing together, Jesse says “we constantly know what the other person is thinking” which is what makes being on the field together fun and exciting. Jared describes their experience as “unexplainable” because there is nothing like being able to “battle everyday on the soccer field with your brother.”
When asked to share a memorable experience they’ve had while being at the same college, both Jesse and Jared described hard-fought soccer victories. Both games were ones they were not expected to win, but they both credited their victories to their brother’s hard work. This year being Jared’s last season, he shares he was glad he got to play his college soccer career with his “own blood” and is proud of what his brother has brought to the team.
Lindsay and Hattie Burgher bring a slightly different relationship to the aspect of sibling teammates because their relationship broadens to one of a player and coach. Junior Hattie Burgher’s decision to attend Houghton came with a bonus, having her sister already on campus. Her sister, now assistant volleyball coach, Lindsay Burgher, was a senior when Hattie started at Houghton so they only played one year on Houghton’s volleyball team together. Hattie said, “I wish I had more than one year of playing with her… but I’m so grateful for that one year.”
Both sisters commented on the reward they’ve received in watching their sister grow and develop as a player, and for Hattie, seeing Lindsay as a coach. Lindsay and Hattie played two years of volleyball together in high school, but Lindsay said “I valued playing with her a lot more than in high school, because I wanted to make the most of (what I thought was) our time playing together for the one season we had.” When thinking of her transition from player to coach, Lindsay shared how “natural” it was to have Hattie at her school and as a teammate, but the struggles it brought transitioning into a leadership role. Lindsay had to learn to balance her relationship as a sister, friend and now a coach.
Hattie’s most memorable experience with her sister at college was hearing about her recent engagement. Hattie shared her excitement in being able to “revel in that monumental moment with her and to see the ring and give her a hug” which is something she would not have been able to do if Lindsay wasn’t still at Houghton. However, Lindsay’s presence on campus brought some struggles, as Hattie stated “we are sisters.” She said of her sisters coaching position, “she legitimately has the right to boss me around” but said that their relationship would experience some arguments which is natural and expected.
Lindsay’s greatest experience has been watching her younger sister “transform before her eyes” on the court and work to earn her position as a leader on the team. Lindsay is grateful for the opportunities she’s been given while at Houghton with her sister and said, “Whether coaching or playing, I am proud and thankful we can continue to be a part of the Houghton volleyball program together.”