It is essential for a team to have players that don’t label themselves as just “teammates,” but as a family. For siblings Brianna and Jacob Laliberte, athleticism runs in their blood both in the pool and on the field here at Keene State College.
Brianna, a senior at KSC, has been a true asset to the women’s swim team. During her first year (2012-2013 season) Brianna was an New England Intercollegiate DIving and Swimming Association ( NEISDA) champion in the 200 medley relay. She was also an NEISDA runner-up in the 50 and 100 back event and placed fifth in the NEISDA 200 back event. Brianna also placed second in the MIT Invitational 200 free relay, second in the 400 medley relay, third in the 400 free relay and sixth in the 100 and 200 back. Upon her arrival to Keene State, she was a NH Division I Champion in the 50 and 100 free 2012, the Manchester Central Team Captain in 2012 and a Member of the Executive Swim Club. The stats showed she has proven to be a collegiate athlete. Her success didn’t stop there, Brianna just kept on swimming to the NE Senior and Sectional Qualifier. Her success wasn’t just from her teammates and coaches, but by the motivation of her parents. “Brianna wanted to be swimming in the water from the point when she was wearing huggies, Father of Brianna and Jacob Don Laliberte said. He continued, ”both myself and their mom are very proud of them, we are able to see them excel at any level and not have to worry about their academics as they both do an excellent job at managing being a student-athlete.”
By swimming away from the pool and kicking it over to the soccer field, Jacob Laliberte, a first-year player on the men’s Soccer team said he feels right at home knowing he is able to look up to his older sister during his first year of college.
Back in their hometown of Candia, New Hampshire, Jacob has proved to be just as competitive as his older sister.
Photo Editor / Tim Smith
Jacob, who plays in the backfield for the KSC Men’s Soccer team, goes out and competes every day to improve his game.
“It’s been great to have my sister by my side,” Jacob said. “We are able to push each other and get more involved in the community here at college. She and I are able to manage our time wisely as student athletes, but what has been very convenient for myself is the ability to share a car at college with my sister,” he laughed.
Brianna said, “Jacob and I just want to make our family proud.” She continued, “Sports have been very important in our family, ever since we were just little ones, we always wanted to play a sport.”
Just like any siblings would do, both love to “trash talk” each other out of love for one another. “Well if you really look at it this way, swimming is just flat out boring,” Jacob said sarcastically. Brianna fired back and said, “Well, we all know I am the real athlete in the household.”
These two siblings were born with something very special, no matter how many times they bicker back and forth with each other over who is the better athlete, they will always come back around to take care of one another.
Adam can be contacted at abuskey@kscequinox.com
