Twins Ally Damron (9) and Tatum Damron (9) have had cleats tied and socks knee-high nearly their whole lives. Inspired by their older sister’s playing and their father’s coaching career, the twins’ soccer journey began at the age of four. After three years, they transitioned from recreational playing to the San Diego Soccer Club, where they competed on their top team for three years, then moved to San Diego Surf, the club with the city’s highest-ranked Elite Clubs National League team. This year, the sisters dribbled onto Westview’s field as starters on the varsity team.

“Playing soccer together is meaningful because it is something that we have been doing together for so long,” Ally said.

These 10 years of experience earned Tatum and Ally positions as Westview’s right outside back and left outside back respectively, where they bracket the team’s defensive lines. Throughout their time playing together, they’ve adapted to each other’s styles, which Ally said is useful on the field.

“I think it definitely helps that we’re mostly on the same page,” Ally said. “Since we’re always together, we know [what the other will do] and their habits.”

According to center back Cadence Smith (12), the sisters’ synergy is key to the team’s defensive prowess.

“They’ve both been playing together for a while and learned the same style of soccer, which really shows in their chemistry on the field,” she said. “They both play super calmly under pressure, which is awesome for keeping things steady at the back.”

When they first joined the Westview team, Tatum said their bond helped them adjust.

“[Varsity] soccer was scary at first, so if I had been alone, I wouldn’t have known who to talk to,” she said. “If [we] have to get into partners, then I have someone always there.”

Tatum said that games with their new teammates were initially nerve-wracking for the sisters.

“The very first game, [our coach] said our names, and I was scared,” Tatum said. “I was like, ‘I don’t want to mess up [and have them think] “Who is that freshman? Why is she starting over me?”’ I didn’t want to make any mistakes.”

Much to the sisters’ relief, however, they were warmly welcomed with the team’s traditional pajama-clad Golden-Bagel run.

“I felt like they were all going to hate me, but they’ve been very welcoming and very nice, [and] the initiation was fun,” Ally said.

With new teammates, Ally and Tatum said their view of the sport has been reframed.

“It’s a new way of seeing soccer,” Ally said. “I’ve been on the same team as my club teammates for like half my life, so it’s nice to see new faces that aren’t our age.”

Center back Miley Shaver (11) said the twins’ perspective is equally as fascinating.

“Sometimes Tatum will play defense on one side, and Ally will play wing on the same side,” Shaver said. “When they play like this and interact, it’s awesome to watch. They know how to play off each other and connect the ball very well. They’re a great team.”

During their first league match of the season against Rancho Bernardo (RB), the sisters’ key passes contributed to the team’s 2-1 win, Jan. 10. Tatum said that the root of the Wolverines’ victory was their hard-hitting offense and consistent cohesion.

“That was the best we’ve ever played as a team because we were aggressive and we really worked as a team,” she said. “The other team just had one shot, and we had many more opportunities.”

According to Smith, the Damrons’ crucial defensive positions have evolved in recent years, demanding a higher contribution to this offense.

“Nowadays, outside backs are way more involved in the attack compared to past years,” Smith said. “They push forward more often, join in on offensive plays, and even take shots on goal or get crosses in the box which is super helpful for our attack, [and] Ally and Tatum do a very good job at reading the game and anticipating plays before they happen, giving us a quick response.”

Smith said in their short time on the team, the twins have proven themselves to fill their positions effectively.

“Together, they both do well with their 1-on-1 defending and will work hard until they win the ball. On offense, they do a very good job of picking out passes to go forward and have good skills when we need them to beat a player.”

Since the twins’ varsity experience previously consisted solely of Westview’s annual Winter Jubilee Tournament, Dec. 10–20, Tatum said that their approach to the RB game was new.

“[For league games], I just make sure that I’m confident, but not cocky, going into the game,” Tatum said. “I don’t want to just do not-risky passes and just [go with] all the safe options, but I definitely don’t want to just send long balls for the other team.”

Ally said that overall the team’s coaction and unrelenting effort made for a first league match she was proud of.

“I think we dominated the game, and even though [RB] got an early goal, we still came back, kept fighting, and ended up getting the win,” she said. “I went into it knowing it was going to be a close game, but with the way we were playing, I [was confident that] we were going to win.”

Ally said the team has been hard at work and is on track for more victories. She said that she is looking forward to the rest of this season and is thrilled to share the experience with her sister.

“[Taking on soccer together] is good because if we ever need help, we can always ask the other person,” Ally said. “It’s good knowing you’ll always have a friend with you there.”