The University of Dallas is a unique college in many ways, one of which is its range of family sizes. From single-child households to double-digit armories, students from a diverse set of sibling dynamics and backgrounds can meet and compare experiences. However, what happens when a sibling arrives on campus and enters the same sports team?
This was the case for the two Gouge sisters. When Nastasha Gouge, a sophomore comparative literature major, transferred to UD to further her plans for law school, she joined her younger sister in the women’s volleyball team as #6. Sophia ‘Sophie’ Gouge, a freshman business major, was already on the court as #2. Luckily, they are incredibly close and look forward to continuing their teamwork after only a few years of separation. The Gouge sisters had shared teams since their elementary and high school years and only split after high school before merging forces again at UD.
“We have almost always played on the same team, where Sophia plays an age up,” Nastasha explained. “I think there were only about three seasons we were not on the same team, whether it was because we wanted to play at different clubs or just because of the age difference.”
Nastasha also described their choice of volleyball over softball in those early years – a fateful decision that has turned out well for both women.
“My mom really liked volleyball and she got us into it. It’s funny, our mom actually played softball in college but me and Sophie just never liked it, so we got into volleyball instead,” Nastasha reminisced.
Sophie mentioned a few of the reasons she joined the sport as well.
“I remember being interested in volleyball after watching collegiate volleyball games and seeing my sister’s interest in the sport grow,” Sophie explained.
Nastasha originally chose to pursue her college career at Centre College in Kentucky while Sophie, still in high school, considered entering the University of Dallas for her own studies. Sophie’s influence, experience and the benefits of a UD education won her older sister over to the Crusader forces from the Colonels.
“I chose UD because I really loved the values and education at Centre. When I decided to transfer, it was difficult trying to find a school that had a study abroad program, a great education and was close to home,” Nastasha described. “My sister was looking at UD and my mom told me about all the things that UD had to offer and that it really fit what I was looking for. I asked my sister if she would be okay with me going to the same school as her and she said yes.”
Sophie welcomed her older sister onto the UD campus and volleyball team. Originally, she had a few reservations about sharing the college experience from her de facto twin – but her worries soon dissipated.
“I was hesitant to go to the same school as my sister at first. I had grown up with my sister my whole life and I wanted some independence to be on my own,” Sophie said.
Sophie described their shared unique college experience, but also acknowledged that they had separate circles as well, to give a comfortable space while also allowing for connection.
“We still get to see each other,” Sophie explained, “but not to the point where we don’t do our own things or make our own friends. It turned out to be really great.”
Nastasha appreciated the situation, which offered the education she was looking for and let the two sisters play together again. She expounded on their unique sibling relationship dynamic and the effects on the court.
“I was adopted from Russia in 2004, and Sophia was born shortly after,” Nastasha explained. “I would say it is a lot like having a twin. We do so much together and get along great.”
Nastasha also brought up the positive pressure of playing with someone like Sophie, who is determined and a hard worker. Playing beside Sophie’s defensive position, there was extra motivation to not drop the ball and allow the opposing team a point.
“It’s hard to let the ball drop when Sophie is playing defense,” Nastasha admitted.
Sophie mirrored her sister’s sentiments.
“I really look up to my sister in that sense,” Sophie said. “[Nastasha] is an extremely hard worker, and seeing her put in the extra work inspires me to become a better player.”
The Gouge sisters are great representatives of two positive teammates, friends and siblings. Both on and off the court, they support each other and positively affect the UD culture. The women’s volleyball team has benefited from Nastasha and Sophie Gouge’s teamwork and positive energy, which will lead to further Crusader victories in the future.