CAMDEN — The seniors on the Camden volleyball team played their last game of their high school careers in the Class AAAA Upper State championship match against eventual state champ Pickens. For a certain two, it was a close to an era they were side by side for their entire lives.
Aryanna and Nicolette Connell, the twin sister stars on the team, have shared the court for last time. They have played together since they discovered the game, growing side by side into the players that they are today.
'I want to try'
In sixth grade, Aryanna saw three of her friends playing volleyball and wanted to join in on the action. She introduced the sport to Nicolette, and they have been hooked ever since.
"I introduced it to Nicolette, and then my uncle got married to our aunt (who) was playing volleyball, so it was a sign that we needed to start playing," Aryanna said. "We just fell in love with it instantly."
Now, the sisters have finished their high school careers. The pair, however, brought more to the table than their blood bond.
Aryanna was selected to the all-state team as a junior, where she led Camden in multiple categories. She finished with 777 kills, 100 aces and 434 digs, according to Maxpreps.
Nicolette was the defensive anchor on the team. The libero ended with 843 digs.
Lessons in defeat
The sisters led the charge to the Class AAA state championship match in 2023, where Camden fell to Wren 3-1. With Camden moving up in classification, the Bulldogs nearly reached the title game again before falling a step short against Pickens. Despite the loss, Nicolette loved the experience.
"I put all of my heart into (the game), and I really felt the love for it," Nicolette said.
Aryanna, with a smile, repeated this sentiment.
"I've never been on that big of a stage (in front of) that big of a crowd watching us play (and) cheering us on," Aryanna said. "It definitely sucked that we lost, but knowing I gave it my all for my team was a good feeling."
Twin trials
Throughout their careers, having a sister on the court has benefited each of their play. Along with improving, the shared experience has strengthened their bond.
"When she does something good, it's like, 'Yes, that's my sister!'" Nicolette said. "We've always (been) on the same team and had the same perspective, so it's really good for someone to be there."
"Having someone that will give it to you straight with no sugar coating (is) good to hear," Aryanna added. "It (can be) annoying because sisters are always together, but it's making us better in the end."
When it comes to motivation, they echoed the idea that they are playing for each other. The two said that they drive each other to win and to elevate their game.
"We say it's a twin thing, when she gets a good pass, I get a kill, that's usually how it is," Aryanna said. "It just motivates us to do better.
"We don't take it easy on each other at all."
Heading separate ways
On Aug. 26, Nicolette announced her commitment to North Carolina-Charlotte to continue her athletic and academic career. Her aunt's history as a player there was a driving force in her decision.
"I went to the camps there and really liked the environment and the coaching staff," Nicolette said. "They're really sweet and encouraging, and it just felt right."
Aryanna won't be too far, but she'll be in Orangeburg at Claflin University. During her college search, she knew exactly what she wanted in her next school.
"Definitely a good environment with the team (that has) a good bond," Aryanna said. "Having a bond with your team is what's going to make the experience better."
Now that they're both signed, the Connells will go their separate ways after Camden. They aren't dwelling on that, but rather holding their remaining time together closer.
"(I'm) soaking in every moment that I get to sit with her on the court and off the court," Nicolette said. "We have time, but time goes by fast."
"And we don't really know time without each other," Aryanna said. "We don't know anything without each other, so that's going to be the hardest thing, but knowing that we're both pursuing what we love will make it a lot easier."
As each prepares to support the other from a distance, they will keep their sister's words of wisdom with them.
"Aryanna would tell me to get out of my head, and that it was OK to make mistakes," Nicolette said. "It's a game of mistakes, and mistakes help you get better."
"(When) life hits you hard, (Nicolette) would tell me to use volleyball to let all of that stuff go," Aryanna said. "You don't want the the thing that you're doing most in your life bring you down."