Twins Hannah and Elizabeth Hunt have been exposed to basketball since before they could talk; most of their close family members play the sport and some have played and worked in it at a high level. The sport holds deep roots in the Hunt family, and the Hunt twins are continuing the family legacy of basketball players. Going into their sophomore basketball season, both of them made the girls varsity basketball team.
“Our dad’s a basketball coach, so it’s kind of always been in our life,” H. Hunt said. “My grandpa is also a basketball coach, and my uncle is a trainer, so it just kind of runs in the family.”
Having the support, expertise, and advice from their dad has helped them both significantly on the court.
“[Having a coach as a dad has] definitely helped,” E. Hunt said. “We’ll always go home and debrief. We watch films on the game together, and we always go to our dad’s games. It’s kind of all basketball, all year round.”
The twins started their basketball careers young by playing in the youth Wellington Leagues. As they grew, they played basketball for their elementary and middle school, Saint Agatha School, and also played Ameture Athletic Union (AAU) travel basketball. They made the switch from Saint Agatha School to Upper Arlington High School freshman year, and had to integrate themselves into the life of a true student athlete.
“[Balancing school and basketball] was definitely hard at first, but now I’m in my second year, so it’s definitely easier,” E. Hunt said. “It’s kind of hard sometimes, going to practice, getting home late, and then doing homework.”
Now that the twins have entered sophomore year, recruiting is becoming higher up on their list of priorities. Basketball is now more than just games and practices. Contacting coaches and visiting schools hold great importance in the athletic future of highschool athletes.
“[Coaches] can talk to you after eighth grade,” E. Hunt said. “I’ve talked to a couple coaches, so I’m just thinking about that.”
As Hannah and Elizabeth grew up and continued to get better they drew a lot of inspiration and advice from their dad.
“[My dad] always helps me, and it’s really nice because he’s a coach, so he actually knows what he’s talking about,” H. Hunt said.
Elizabeth values the experience her dad has in basketball.
“[Our dad] has accomplished so much in the basketball world,” E. Hunt said. “That’s really cool to look up to.”
Aside from their dad, the twins played for another coach who has positively impacted their basketball careers and their life. Their coach at Saint Agatha and for some of their time playing travel basketball, has been with them since they were little. She has coached them since first grade and has always been there for them, on and off the court.
“Coach Meury. Love her,” H. Hunt said. “She has always been a really good coach to me, kind of really helps me learn a lot about the game, but also is just a really good person. I know I can go talk to her about literally anything.”
Hannah and Elizabeth officially play for their coaches, but when it comes to needing some extra motivation, they play for their teammates.
“We all play for each other,” E. Hunt said. “Some stuff sucks of course, like running and practice, but we all know that we’re getting through that together.”
This year, both of the twins will be playing on varsity together.
“This year, it’s been a lot of fun so far,” H. Hunt said. “I think that it makes it more motivating if you’re having fun, like, I have so much fun with my teammates.”
Teammates can come and go but having a twin to grow up with, practice with and learn with is forever. Hannah and Elizabeth enjoy the benefits of having played together for so long.
“Because I’ve played with her so much I’m just like ‘oh if I pass it here I know she’ll get it’,” H. Hunt said. “I know she can make a play.”
Twin telepathy is a myth, yet when the twins play together they have a connection unlike any other.
“It’s always fun to do workouts together, so we always have a rebounder,” E. Hunt said. “I always know where she is [on the court]. She’s the first person I look to pass to.”
Although the Hunt twins have lots of time left in their basketball career, they both have played long enough to know the keys to success. They share their advice for the next wave of dedicated basketball players and athletes.
“Keep working when no one’s watching,” E. Hunt said. “Also fully embrace your teammates, because that’s the thing that you’re going to remember.”
Hannah and Elizabeth have been through the ups and downs of their sport like many athletes, but Hannah believes playing stress free is the way to get through the tough times.
“Don’t get discouraged if you’re not exactly where you want to be,” H. Hunt said. “Have fun with it. It’s basketball. It’s a sport you’re supposed to have fun.”
