Larkin (12th) and Lane (11th) attend Plant City High School and they are Irish Twins, being only 10 and a half months apart. They’ve both participated in varsity sports throughout their high school sports careers. This week, we interviewed both athletes for a special duo article.
What sport do you play for PCHS and how long have you been involved in the sport?
Larkin: I am a Varsity Cheerleader and have been cheering ever since I was 3 years old. I started cheering at the Dolphins; then I cheered at my mom’s gym, Fierce Athletics. Storm All-Stars, then the Tampa Bulls at stunt and tumble. Now I have been on the varsity sideline and competition team at Plant City for four years.
Lane: I play Varsity Baseball and I have been playing the sport since I was 3. I started T-Ball at the Plant City Little League.
Which part of your sport do you enjoy the most?
Larkin: I enjoy competing the most. I have always been very competitive growing up, so being able to compete against other athletes has always brought joy to me. The feeling of winning and losing is a feeling you never forget.
Lane: The camaraderie with my teammates and competition against the rival schools.
What’s been your favorite moment this year at your sport?
Larkin: This year, my favorite moment would have to be winning states. Coming off a hard season where we just cut it short to then this season working hard every practice wanting to better ourselves every day to then winning states was a moment I’ll never forget because it taught me to never give up and that hard work truly pays off.
Lane: Even though it was just preseason, I would probably have to say the games against Durant and Crest. Everyone considered us a major underdog, but I think we showed that although we are young, we are here to battle.
If you could improve in your sport in any way, what would you choose and why?
Larkin: I would like to get better at allowing myself to fail. Sometimes, when things aren’t going perfectly or I’m having an off day, I tend to get hard on myself and almost start doubting myself. Sometimes it has affected others, and I have seen it happen before. So, I would love to fix that because cheerleading is a team sport. It is the one sport that needs 150% from every athlete on the mat.
Lane: Probably controlling my emotions better. I can get really fired up in the heat of the moment, and I want to lead by example by being a role model to the underclassmen.
Who’s been your favorite coach in your sport all time and why?
Larkin: I don’t think I could pick just one because every coach I have ever had has made a significant impact on my life, but the ones that made the most would be Skotti, Sara Kate, Karen Snapp, Coco, and Jasmine. I have had many, many coaches in my life, but these specific ones formed me into the athlete and all-around human I am now. They taught me not only how to be a good cheerleader or base, but they taught me discipline, accountability, determination, responsibility, and how to hold a good image and portray myself in the right way. I would give them a lot of credit for the way I am now.
Lane: This is a tough one, I really can’t say I have a favorite. Ray Cowen was my coach since I was 3 and had a big impact on my baseball career. My dad has always been a great coach to me and has supported me through it all. When I played for the Ostingers at 13 I had a coach, Paul Davis, who showed my true accountability. Then in high school I am still coached by Billy Teeden, who has coached me since the age of 5 and is the most inspirational influence, and Mike Fryrear who has shown complete understanding of the player I am and has provided more opportunities than any other coach. All of these coaches have influenced my baseball career equally.
Is there a sport that you haven’t played that you would want to try?
Larkin: I have played tennis, softball, volleyball, and cheer, but one sport I would’ve loved to do would be flag football just because it looks like fun.
Lane: Probably Wrestling.
What’s it like having a sibling who’s into sports as much as you are?
Larkin: It’s a lot. We are both very busy and always competing with each other. Growing up, my brother played travel ball while I was doing all-stars, so sometimes my mom would have to go to my competitions while my dad was with my brother at tournaments, so there would be a lot of times I wouldn’t see my brother. Still now, being at the high school level, we barely see each other. But it’s also nice because we can depend on each other for anything. We are Irish twins, only 10.5 months apart, so it’s like having a twin, we have a unique bond.
Lane: We have both played competitive sports for most of our lives, and often, our tournaments and competitions were on the same weekends, so we didn’t get to watch each other a lot, but we have always been each other’s #1 fans.
When you’re not playing your sport, what are you doing in your free time?
Larkin: When I’m not cheering, I normally hang out with my friends from the team or go to the gym to stay active.
Lane: Hunting, Fishing, hanging out with friends, and just trying to enjoy my high school years and not let them pass by.
If you could give advice to a kid who wants to improve at the sport you play, what advice would you give them?
Larkin: I would tell them to practice in off time and to put together stunt groups and do reps. Take tumble classes. I would most importantly tell them never to give up because cheer opens up so many opportunities for people. A lot of times coaches look for potential when picking their team. My freshman year, I was not that good, but I made varsity and not the competition team, so I got groups together and kept stunting and trying to get new skills. Then, a month before states, I got pulled up for the competition team. If I had given up and just settled for the varsity sideline, I wouldn’t have been on the competition team all 4 years. That showed that hard work pays off, so if you want to improve, you have to put in tons of work and never give up on yourself because you can do anything. You just have to know that. In cheer, nothing is ever given to you; you have to earn it.
Lane: Trust the process. I made varsity freshman year and thought I was ready, but I had opportunities that didn’t go my way. Be patient, because you have four years to grow and get adjusted to the speed of the game. Don’t stop working.
What are your top songs to get you hyped for game day?
Larkin: Run this town by JAY-Z, The show goes on by Lupe Fiasco, Remember the name by Fort Mino
Lane: Way 2 sexy -drake