Identical twins Chloe and Brooklyn Crichton have taken to coaching as well as playing volleyball. Photo: Jonty Dine.

Twins to sign off from school volleyball success

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Chloe and Brooklyn Crichton’s storied school volleyball careers will soon come to a close.

The 17-year-old identical twins are in their final year at Nayland College where they have coached and played as a pair throughout.

The sisters say they generally work well on court together.

“We have always played together, it’s good and bad, we have mini arguments but mostly just during the games, after that we get over it,” says Chloe.

Volleyball is in the Crichton sisters’ genes with both their parents having played to a high level, including their father Brendon.

The girls didn’t need much persuading to get on the court.

When they’re not confusing their opposition or junior players, the Crichtons are also fiercely competitive in the classroom.

“We are always trying to one-up each other,” says Brooklyn.

She and Chloe began playing indoor at a young age and started beach volleyball just a year ago.

At the start of 2020 they would compete in nationals, following in the footsteps of last year’s national champions from Nayland, Sophie Young and Greta Stjade.

They say they didn’t feel the pressure to live up to the successes of their predecessors.

“Greta and Sophie are both very good, it was out first year at nationals and we finished fourth in division two, we were quite surprised about that,” says Chloe.

They say their connection can be advantageous on court.

“We don’t have to say much to each other.”


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The girls are also talented coaches and will take their year nine team to nationals in Invercargill later this year.

Following high school, the sisters plan to keep playing club but will focus on coaching.

With trips to Hawaii and Australia already standing out as highlights, Brooklyn and Chloe hope there will be more to come at nationals this year, however Covid-19 could disrupt those plans.

Their senior side is coached by Brendon who says it’s a love hate relationship coaching his daughters.

“Some days I wish they could hear someone else’s voice other than mine and I’m sure they’ll feel the same.”

He says they both have the potential to go far in the coaching world.

“They get a bit emotionally involved and sweat the small stuff but that will come with experience.”

He says the girls are very passionate about their volleyball, whether they be coaching or playing.

While the girls laugh off the idea, Brendon says there’s no reason they can’t coach at a national level together.

“There is a real need for female coaches, I’d be a pretty proud father if that eventuated.”