Halle and Justin, members of the Hillsdale women’s and men’s tennis teams, grew up like most siblings — fiercely competitive but close friends. Unlike most siblings, however, their competitions were decided and friendships started on the tennis court, where they spent their youth, adolescence, and today, adulthood.
The Hymans’ parents, who encouraged the twins to pursue tennis, placed both Halle and Justin in a tennis clinic when they were young and watched them fall in love with the sport. Both twins agree that playing together from a young age helped them quickly improve their tennis skills, something they see reflected in their performances today.
“Having someone to hit with definitely helped me get an edge over my teammates and competitors,” Justin said. “As we grew up, I slowly overtook Halle, but at the beginning, when we were at the same level, it was great to have had her to practice with.”
Besides the personal reward of developing athletic competence, the winning twin was often rewarded with a smoothie from their father, eager to encourage their physical ability and competitive spirits.
“We would both wind up getting smoothies after our matches, though,” Justin said.
In high school, the twins’ tennis careers took different tracks as they were assigned to single-ed tennis teams. Though their styles and abilities differed, they continued to play against each other for practice.
Halle said Justin was always available to hit against her throughout high school, which certainly helped her within her team and against her competitors, since men tend to hit harder than women. Nikki Walbright, head coach of the Hillsdale women’s tennis team, has noticed Halle’s advantage.
“Halle growing up with Justin was definitely a positive influence, something I can see today in Halle’s style, which differs from the other girls on the team,” Walbright said. “I think her having Justin to hit against has something to do with that.”
Although Halle and Justin were looking at many schools to continue their tennis careers, it was Halle’s visit, and Halle’s visit alone, which landed the two at Hillsdale.
“I went on a visit, loved it, came home, told Justin, and he took my word for it,” Halle said. “He committed with no visit, relying on my opinion alone.”
This steadfast belief in his sister’s opinion represents their close friendship, developed over years of living together as family and playing tennis together as co-competitors, another part of why they have excelled in their athletic performance. Their coaches have noticed this friendship, even though the pair plays for different teams on campus which rarely scrimmage together.
“Justin and Halle are very close, which has helped them push each other,” men’s tennis head coach Keith Turner said. “Justin is very supportive of his sister.”
Walbright agreed, saying that when the two teams have played doubles together in the past, Halle and Justin seem like old friends, instead of academic and athletic colleagues.
Ultimately, Halle and Justin are grateful for each other, for the friendship they’ve found through their family, and what they offer each other through their shared love of tennis. They are both watching their younger brother, 14, as he develops his tennis skills, and are hoping he will choose Hillsdale too, and keep the Hyman name associated with Hillsdale tennis excellence in the future.
