Different Flowers from the Same Garden

Sisters, Jordan and Brittany Briggs

WAXAHACHIE, Texas  --  The Southwestern Assemblies of God University women's volleyball team has enjoyed a sweet season of success, winning twenty or more games in each of the past five years. One obvious trait of the Lady Lions is their sense of community, usually describing one another as sisters.

A year ago the squad posted a 28-12 record while Rachel and Tina Brown were members of the team. This fall, with Rachel having graduated, they have welcomed another pair of siblings within the Purple Pride.

It has been said that sisters are different flowers, grown in the same garden. Here are two, blooming flowers, commonly seen as numbers one and ten.

Senior libero Jordan and freshman defensive specialist Brittany are the Briggs Sisters of Maypearl, Texas. This is their first and likely their last chance to be teammates on the hard-court. While Jordan is a tri-captain and rarely leaves the floor, Britt is battling to earn more playing time. Still, they crave each other's friendship, support and camaraderie. They're even sporting what they refer to as matching Princess Leah side-twirls as a show of solidarity.

They shared their views of sisterhood within their athletic family.

Q: Describe your relationship.

Jordan: We have always been really close. Our parents were really big on the fact we'll have each other for the rest of our lives, so we might as well love each other.

Brittany: Jordan and I are separated by 3 1/2 years. I think that has really helped our relationship. She has already gone through things I am going through now, so she can give me great advice.

Q: Have you ever played on the same team before?

Jordan: No. We've never had the chance, so I'm very thankful that we get to this year.

Brittany: This is our first time and it has been a blast so far!

Q: What is it like having a sister as a teammate?

Brittany: The benefits are very big. Jordan is a huge encourager to me. She helps me correct what I do wrong and she picks me up when I am down. We have a certain bond with each other that we don't have with everyone else.

Jordan: We keep each other accountable, lift one another up and we can make each other laugh by just giving a funny face. It's a lot of fun.

Q: How have you benefitted with Brittany by your side?

Jordan: Honestly, she has taught me things that I never would have learned if she were not here. She has taught me ways to keep a good attitude and how to be an effective leader. If anything she has been more of a mentor for me than I think I have been for her.

Q: You had the opportunity to go elsewhere. Why SAGU?

Brittany: I did have other offers, but I prayed about it and I felt like the Lord was telling me to come to SAGU. Southwestern has a better spiritual environment, unlike all the other universities.

Q: What are the strengths of this team, besides individual talent?

Brittany: We're a family. And we can bond together and form an amazing team.

Jordan: I agree. It's such a family. Not only is my real sister on this team, but we are together so often and for so long, the other girls on the team become your sisters as well. The team is family.

Q: Women's Volleyball is the winningest team on campus over the past five years. Why is that so?

Brittany: It means the world to me to play with this team. I haven't really played with a team like this before, where each girl actually gets a long and where you are treated like a real family. I love the girls and the coaches. They all mean so much to me and I am very thankful that God has put me here.

Jordan: It's amazing. I have never been on a team that has been so selfless like the teams here at Southwestern. I am so blessed to be here.

This Thursday night, November 4, will not only be the final home game for two seniors; Brittani Toole and Jordan... but will also be the final time these two sisters suit up for a game in Waxahachie. What a special time it will be.

The Lady Lions have a road trip this weekend to East Texas (at Texas College and at Wiley College - both on Saturday at 11am and 3pm), then they will play in the Red River Athletic Conference in Fort Worth, Nov. 11-13. There is also a good chance they will be in the NCCAA Central Regionals, also on the road. So this Thursday will be your last chance to see them in the friendly confines of the Sheaffer Full Life Center.