Sisters by nature, teammates by choice

Abbey and Hannah Callaghan have been kicking it since the womb.

Literally. 

And today, the Callaghan twins are embracing their relationship and using it as an advantage at UB Stadium. 

The Callaghans have been playing soccer together for the past 14 years. Hannah, a midfielder for the Bulls soccer team, has totaled three points so far this season, whereas Abbey plays defense for the Bulls, with the third-highest playing time for defenders, 760 minutes this season. The Callaghans bring championship-caliber play to UB, after coming from Wheatland-Chili High School where they helped win two state championships. Now, they are determined to use their chemistry to bring home a MAC championship.

Coming from a family of soccer players, Abbey and Hannah were practically destined to follow in their family’s footsteps. 

Their mother played collegiate soccer at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY, and their brother spent his days on the soccer field, too. 

“We grew up watching our older brother play soccer, so I think that is what drove us to play collegiately,” Hannah said. 

The twins both had successful careers in high school. During their time at Wheatland-Chili, both Hannah and Abbey earned All-New York State honors three times. Hannah was also named New York State Player of the Year during her junior season. 

And they couldn’t put that chemistry behind them.

“UB seemed like it would offer us the best opportunities moving forward with both school and soccer,” Hannah said. 

On their official visit, the twins knew they’d choose UB.

“Everyone is so welcoming and it was close to home so it was perfect,” Abbey said. 

Their ability to work hard and contribute to the team has found the twins in the starting lineup.

“You know, they’re going to show up, they’re going to compete and I think that says a lot about why they keep finding themselves in the starting lineup,” head coach Shawn Burke said. 

And the twins use their bond on the field to their advantage. 

“We just have some sort of chemistry that we won’t ever have with anybody else,” Abbey said. “So I think that’s already an advantage, coming in having that chemistry already with somebody on the team.” 

During the season, the twins spend almost as much time together on the field as they do off the field. 

And the opportunity to play on the field together only brings them closer. 

“I would say there’s nothing better,” Hannah said. “Cliché as it is, we do fight but she is my best friend. And, I know that she has my back.” 

Sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com.