Double trouble.
Or at least that is what the Delp sisters’ competitors would think as they face the sibling doubles duo on the tennis court.
Sisters junior Morgan Delp and sophomore Sydney Delp began their first season as a college doubles team this fall. The siblings lost their opening match in a tiebreaker against Wayne State University and, since then, have gone undefeated.
“I have been pleasantly surprised with just how good they are this year,” head coach Nikki Walbright said. “They have just pushed themselves to play in this zone that I can’t even coach them to be in.”
Sydney agrees with Coach Walbright. Sydney said that the zone she and Morgan play in has been developing throughout their lives and isn’t a skill that can be solely established on the court.
“We are best friends and have been for over 19 years.” Sydney said. “Morgan’s the person I’ve spent the single most time with out of anyone. Clearly we have an advantage solely on that basis.”
Having played doubles together through their junior tennis years and for three years in high-school, older sister Morgan said that besides the sister connection, having the sheer experience of playing together and knowing each other’s style of playing also gives them an edge over their competitors.
“It’s kind of weird,” Morgan said. “We will be in a situation where usually you would be unsure of where to move or who is going to get it, and we just know who is going to get it and can trust each other really well.”
Although making a cohesive doubles team, the Delp sisters have different playing styles. Sydney describes Morgan as supportive and flexible on the court and always encouraging, and Morgan describes Sydney as calm, focused, aggressive and a fierce competitor.
When asked how their relationship on the court differs from off the court Sydney replied with: “It’s pretty much the same no matter where we are; I make the calls.”
But despite their different playing styles, a common goal unites the sisters and drives them toward success.
“We are greedy when it comes to winning,” Sydney said. “Meaning we aim to win every match we play.”
Both sisters described their chance to play together as a highlight in their seasons, and they both hope that they can continue to play together the rest of the season and upcoming years. For them, playing doubles together isn’t solely about tennis, but being able to spend quality time together playing a sport they both love.
“I am so happy to get to be on the same court with the same person that I live with, work with, and hang out with,” Morgan said. “Adding another time that we can be together is such a blessing.”
