North Carolina State University Athletics
Seeing Double
7/25/2016 10:05:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
An inside look at the two sets of sisters on NC State's gymnastics team
By GoPack writer Kelly Martin
Seeing Double?
Have you ever gone to an NC State gymnastics home meet and wondered why there are two 'Fillards' and two 'Phillips' on the lineup sheet? Well this is no typo- there really are two sets of sisters on the team! Sophomores Alexa and Paris Phillips, the powerful dynamic duo from Athens, Ga., began their college careers with a strong freshman season this past January along with Caitlyn Fillard, who is following in her older sister, Amanda's, footsteps.
So what's it like having two sets of sisters on one team? Well the consistency and huge scores from both sets of sisters in the 2016 season seemed to prove that the strong bond and built-in support system are large factors in the success of the team. Â
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Baby Wolves
All of the sisters started competitive gymnastics at a very young age and fell in love with the sport from day one.
"Even if we weren't at gymnastics practice, we were still in our leotards doing gymnastics in the living room and making up routines," said Caitlyn.
The twins, Alexa and Paris, were always competing at the same level growing up while Caitlyn was a level below Amanda until she caught up with her in level 10. Competition is inevitable when it comes to the sport of gymnastics, and sisters are no exception to this unspoken standard.
"Paris and I have always been very competitive with one another, but at the same time we hope that the other will do her best," Alexa revealed.
One of the Fillards' favorite memories growing up during club gymnastics in Centereach, N.Y., was their first level 10 meet competing against each other. Their club coaches and teammates were eager to see which sister would beat the other, but Amanda and Caitlyn were just excited to finally be able to compete next to each other.
"It ended up that Amanda and I tied the competition for first place all around," Caitlyn said.
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Picking the Pack
Due to the age difference among the Fillard sisters, Caitlyn and Amanda's decision to attend the same school came at different times whereas the Phillips sisters made the decision together.
"I always planned on going to the same school as my sister because we've always been together our whole lives. She's like a best friend who has always been by my side," Alexa explained.
It helped that the same schools were interested in both of them and they just so happened to both fall in love with the idea of becoming a part of the Wolfpack.
Caitlyn had dreamed of going to NC State ever since she was a little girl, and having her sister on the team already just made her decision to join the Pack that much easier. Amanda confirmed that she is, "so happy [they] get the chance to do what [they] love together at the same school." Â
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Siblings or Teammates?
Amanda, Alexa, Caitlyn and Paris all unanimously revealed that they have nothing but positive things to say about being on the same team as their sister. Throughout the struggles and triumphs of being a student athlete, they are all thankful to have their sister there to push and support them no matter what.
"Every time I land my double arabian on floor during a competition, [Alexa's] smiling in the corner in front of me. She stands in my corner and I stand in hers while we're on floor. It's an extra boost of confidence seeing her cheering for me," Paris shared. Â
Amanda disclosed that she gets more nervous watching Caitlyn compete than she does during her own routines because she always wants her to do so well. Fans will be able to see the Fillard combo in action for one last season as Amanda approaches her fourth and final year representing the Wolfpack. Â
"I'm going to miss doing gymnastics and being a part of the team, but will always be a proud alumni of NC State and continue to be supportive of my sister and teammates," Amanda explained in regard to her senior season.
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Who's who?
Throughout their gymnastics careers, the Fillards never seemed to have anyone get them confused with each other; although the coaches usually joke about their gymnastics style being very similar. The Phillips on the other hand, are used to everyone mistaking one twin for the other.
"Everyone gets Paris and I mixed up. I don't think it is that big of a deal because we're very used to it. It's happened our whole lives," said Alexa.
Think you can distinguish who is who? Identify each sister below and scroll down for the correct answers. Tweet @PackGymnastics and share how many you got right!  Â
ANSWERS: 1)Â L: Paris R: Alexa 2) L: Caitlyn R: Amanda 3) Caitlyn: competing on floor, Amanda: standing in corner cheering her sister on 4) Caitlyn 5) L: Caitlyn R: Amanda 6) Paris: competing on floor, Alexa: supporting her sister in her tumbling corner
Players Mentioned
