Twin soccer players sign to different colleges

From L-R: The Rev. Mitchell Walker, Gwen Mitchell, Jerry Mitchell and Head Coach Uwe Spill look on as Jared and Johnathan sign their letters of intent.

When it comes to playing on a team, it always helps if your teammate happens to be just like you.

That rang true for two players on Bob Jones’ boys’ soccer team.

Two siblings, Jared and Johnathan signed athletic scholarships Monday, May 16.

Jared signed with Presbyterian College in South Carolina, and his twin brother, Johnathan, signed with Marshall University in West Virginia.

“When I went there on my official visit, I really liked the campus and the players were nice and I responded well to the coach,” Johnathan said.

His brother said while anxious about college, he’s looking forward to going.

“I’m a little nervous and not looking for to preseason training, but it’s going to be a good experience,” Jared said.

The boys started playing soccer about 12 years ago. Their father, Jerry, is a former coach for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) in Huntsville. That, along with the mother, Gwen Mitchell, preferring they not play football, is what lead the boys into a life of soccer.

“I’m excited and I’m proud of them,” Gwen said. “I would like to keep them closer, but this is the time for them to spread their wings and go to the next level. They are opposite in terms of personality, but they compliment one another.”

The boy’s coach Uwe Spiller believes the same. He said he know of the boys from their days playing soccer for the Huntsville Soccer Club, and always heard “good things.” Spiller said the boys have been a great asset to the team and are not replaceable.

“Athletically-wise, they’re probably unmatched in the state,” he said. “They were very good leaders and motivating players. They have a very good attitude and their soccer ability is tremendous.”