The Tamerlano sisters have come to the University not only for education, but also to play sports.

Junior Jackie Tamerlano is a member of the women’s soccer team, while her younger sister Jessie is a freshman on the women’s basketball team.

After growing up 20 miles south of Cleveland in North Royalton, the siblings have brought their passion for sports to BG.

Both sisters have been playing sports their whole lives. Jackie was involved with soccer, basketball and gymnastics while growing up and Jessie played soccer and basketball.

The competitive nature of the sisters has always been there too, especially when pitted against each other.

‘I had to go one-on-one with my sister during high school basketball,’ Jackie said. ‘We ended up pushing each other, and jumping on the ground for the ball, and getting rug burns.

‘We were more competitive against each other. It became a huge battle.’

Her sister agreed laughingly about the intensity they showed during this ‘one-on-one.’

‘It was more like we weren’t playing a one-on-one, more like beating each other up,’ Jessie said.

Despite the intense competitive nature of the sisters, they also have each other’s back. They’re not only sisters, but also each other’s support system.

‘I’m two years older, so I help her adjust to being a freshman and help her through it,’ Jackie said.

Jessie also shares the idea of being close-knit siblings.

‘It’s sweet,’ she said. ‘She can show me around and stuff, and we get to see each other’s games.’

Their parents love it too, not only because the sisters can help each other on and off the field, but because they have two children playing sports at the collegiate level.

‘Mom and Dad are really into sports. It’s a nice easy drive to see us play,’ Jessie said.

The Tamerlano sisters also have pretty parallel goals while here as Falcons. Jessie would like to maintain good grades and make it to an NCAA Tournament, as would Jackie.

‘I want to be the best I can be,’ Jackie said. ‘On the field I like to make sure everyone is OK, and help people get through everything.’

Jackie will continue what she’s doing next year as a senior for the Falcons women’s soccer team, playing her position at midfield, while Jessie becomes a sophomore and hangs out as a wing on the basketball courts.

But they will also have each other’s back off the playing fields.

‘Had we gone to different schools, we wouldn’t get to see each other’s games or hang out or support each other all the time,’ Jackie said.