It Runs in the Family: Sibling in Sports at SA

*As seen in the May 2026 edition of the Bagpiper. Written by Connor Byrnes ’26, Staff Writer.

On the field, siblings often compete like teammates but support each other like family. For freshman Maddie and senior Issey Wallach, along with the Stula Brothers, senior Jack, junior Josh, and freshman Enzo, sharing sports has strengthened both their skills and their bond. The Stula brothers have made their mark on the lacrosse field, while Maddie and Issey have done the same in soccer.

The Stula brothers are part of a nationally recognized lacrosse program at Saint Andrew’s, one that was recently ranked ninth in the country and made history by defeating Boys' Latin for the first time in over a decade this season. With a current record of 18-3, the Scots will compete for a state championship in early May in hopes of earning another state title.

Growing up together, many of the Stulas’ earliest memories are tied to spending time side- by-side, which naturally carried into their athletic lives. Much of that time was spent playing for the Miami Stone Crabs, where long days at summer camps and constant competition helped shape their love for the game. 

As Jack Stula recalled, those early experiences were filled with “playing all the time, competing and passing the ball with each other and trying to see who can shoot the hardest.” Enzo added that even outside of organized play, their bond was built through simple moments like “going in the pool together, building Legos, or just playing in the playroom.”

Josh Stula, the middle child, has always had someone to look up to while also serving as a role model for his younger brother. 

“It pushes me to perform at my best knowing my brothers are watching. I always want to step up and prove myself for them,” he said. 

 

The Wallach sisters share a similar path, with their foundation built in Saber recreational soccer, where weekends were spent side-by-side at games. 

As Issey recalled, “On Saturdays we both had games, I would attend her game, and she would watch my game,” showing how their support for each other started early. 

For the Stula brothers, competition fueled improvement, especially with the oldest brother, Jack, setting his brothers up for success.  A committed Babson College lacrosse player, Jack has become a major influence on his younger brothers, pushing them to elevate their game. “I’d say it motivates me to be the best brother,” Jack said, emphasizing how their rivalry drives him to improve. 

The balance between competition and support is something the Wallach sisters also recognize. Freshman varsity soccer player Maddie Wallach said, “We balance competition and supporting each other by knowing when the other person needs encouragement.” 

She added, “Even though we compete, we always try to support each other,” showing how their relationship goes beyond just winning or losing. 

For many athletes, sibling rivalry becomes a powerful source of motivation rather than conflict. As noted by The Whirlwind, "Playing the sport deepens sibling bonds but can also create rivalry that challenges relationships.” 

Jack echoed that idea, saying, “I always want to have that brother rivalry and competitiveness. I really strive to keep improving so I can become a role model for my brothers.” Despite the competition, he emphasized that their bond remains strong.

“I love my brothers and value the time we spend together,” he said.

Through practicing and competing together, these siblings have built stronger skills and even stronger relationships. According to the National Library of Medicine, siblings often act as both competitors and support systems, pushing each other to improve. 

Maddie Wallach said some of her earliest memories are of looking up to her sister as a role model and growing up with a built-in best friend, a bond that has carried her into her high school soccer career.