HAVERHILL – When Jillian and Jenna Schultz were little, they often wondered what it would be like to play on the same high school lacrosse team, much like their older sisters Emily and Lauren did.
“For as long as we can remember, we grew up going to watch our two older sisters play in their games,” said Jillian. “We always would bring our lacrosse sticks and play catch on the sideline.”
This spring season, Jillian and Jenna got their wish at Haverhill High. They are following in their sisters’ footsteps, keeping the Schultz-Haverhill tradition going, dating back to the 2014 season (minus the missed COVID year). Emily graduated in 2017 and Lauren was 2019.
“The four of us would play in our backyard and would shoot on the lacrosse net we had, pass back and forth with each other,” said Jillian. “We would even set up draws to see who could win them. Jenna and I always looked up to Emily and Lauren and wanted to be just like them.”
Much like their older sisters, Jillian and Jenna have played big roles in the Hillies’ success, sporting a 7-4 record thus far. Jillian, a senior, who was also a captain on the field hockey team, is in her fourth varsity season as a midfielder. She has 10 goals, 2 assists and 12 groundballs.
“Jillian has been a big contributor to the program all four years. She is a great leader on and off the field. She also does it in the classroom, currently in the top five of her senior class,” said head coach Eric Perkins.
As a freshman, Jenna has seven goals and six groundballs.
“Jenna has played every position on the field except goalie. She has made some big plays that has helped sealed games for us on the defensive end and has seven goals. She has a great feel for the game and IQ,” said Perkins.
Jenna said at first she struggled, not knowing if she belonged on the same team as her sister.
“At the beginning of the season, I lacked of confidence but Jillian was the reason I gained it all back,” she said. “I am very thankful for this opportunity of being on the same team as her and sure will miss her as she goes off to college next year.”
Once the season officially ends, Jillian will put her lacrosse stick away and prepare for her next four year stay at UMass Amherst. While she’ll be away from Jenna, she’ll remain her biggest fan.
“At first, I was a bit hesitant at the fact that we would be playing together, but now I wouldn’t change it for anything,” said Jillian. “We have become each other’s biggest supporters, both on and off the field. There’s something truly special about sharing this experience with my sister. We push each other to be the best we can be, and it’s amazing to see her growth and success. We have learned to rely on each other, both as teammates and as siblings. It’s a unique dynamic that has strengthened our relationship and brought us even closer.”