Could you imagine playing the sport you love with your sister? For Loyola basketball players Kate and Libby Thompson, that dream became a reality for them this season when Kate , a fifth-year transfer from Louisiana Tech, came to Loyola in the fall to join her younger sister on the court. 

“I was so excited when Kate decided to come to Loyola,” Libby said. “It was something our family had been talking about for a while, but I wasn’t sure it was actually going to happen, so when she told Coach Kennedy she was coming, we were all kind of shocked but really happy.” 

Though Kate and Libby grew up playing the same sport, they have only played on the same team a few times, making this experience so much sweeter. Their friends and family are also delighted to have them on the same team and try to make every game that they can. 

“Our family and friends were very excited to learn that me and Libby would be playing together,” Kate said. “They have always been so supportive of us when it comes to basketball, and they were very happy for me to end my basketball career playing with Libby so close to home.” 

Although the Thompson sisters play different positions on the team, they give each other pointers on how to improve each other’s game. For Kate, her little sister Libby has motivated her to work on her shot and picked up shooting techniques from her. For Libby, her older sister Kate has taught her how to not let the pressure stop her. 

“She has helped me to get out of my head when I start to think about things too much and realize that I just need to have fun,” Libby said. 

Head coach Kellie Kennedy said the Thompson sisters bring chemistry and the togetherness to the team and onto the court. According to Kennedy, Kate also brings a level of maturity and experience to the team as a grad student.

“They are both great people who both work very hard,” Kennedy said. “They are competitive and really care about the success of our team. Kate is more of an inside presence where Libby can just really shoot the ball from the perimeter, but they can both play inside out.”

With this experience sharing the court together, the Thompson sisters have made some memorable moments. Both sisters said that they have loved sharing the success of their team with each other. 

“For example, Libby is really good at passing me the ball inside because she knows where I will be able to catch it best to be able to score,” Kate said. “I also think it is cool when I am able to kick it out to her on the perimeter for a three pointer. It is always really cool to see her succeed on the court and it is fun when I am able to help or she is able to help me.”

Despite this being Kate’s last season, she is excited to finish up her schooling while sharing the season with her sister and the team. 

“I am hoping to finish my prerequisites and get all of my coursework done to start pharmacy school in the summer,” Kate said. “I am also hoping to enjoy my final season of basketball and form relationships with my teammates and coaches. I am very grateful for this opportunity and I am excited to see how we finish this season!”

While Libby is hopeful to go back to the national tournament and win the conference tournament this season, she has enjoyed getting to play with Kate and spend this year together. 

“We’ve gotten to go on trips and live together, and it’s been something I’ll cherish forever,” Libby said.