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'Twin Towers' look to future

by Aimee Miller/Valley Press
| March 5, 2014 11:47 AM

Schmiedbauer girls' high school athletic careers come to an end

HOT SPRINGS – In their four years of high school, the twins Laurel and Meara Schmiedbauer have contributed much academically, athletically and more. Both girls were involved in National Honor Society, Native American Club, 4-H, Music Club, Track and Field, Volleyball and basketball.

The basketball season recently came to a close for the Lady Savage Heat and soon high school itself will be over for the twins. Their coach, Robert Kearney, was impressed with what the girls accomplished this year.

According to him, Meara was the top point earner and Laurel was the best defender. Coach Kearney believes their bond as twins helped them on the court.

“Meara was the top point earner and Laurel was our best defender. They would always find each other on the court in terms of passing, almost a mental telepathy, which is really interesting. I have never experienced that before,” Coach Kearney said. “They would help each other in uncanny ways.”

This partnership might have contributed to the nickname for the girls, the Twin Towers.

“Mr. Clairmont, the announcer called us that. I like it,” Laurel said. “It seemed like whenever I passed to Meara on the three-point line, she would make it.”

Despite the pseudo twin-telepathy, the Lady Savage Heat had a difficult season dealing with dwindling numbers.

The low numbers took a toll on the remaining players but they continued to give it their all.

“It was definitely a struggle but we wanted to do the best we could,” Meara said. “I am proud of how [the season] panned out considering injuries.”

Laurel said the tournament could have gone better but she still had fun and that is what matters.

Even though they were successful in basketball, both sisters agreed they had a slight preference for volleyball and will miss the high school team.

“I thought volleyball was a fantastic ride. The whole time was nonstop fun. Everyone worked together and had a good time,” Meara said. “I am going to miss high school sports.”

High school sports are done for the twins because neither will be participating in track and field this year. They want to focus on completing paperwork for scholarships and college. They are looking to the future.

Laurel and Meara each have different lofty career goals.

“I wanted to go into being a professional childcare provider with an agency like an au pair and travel around for a while,” Laurel said. “Then I want to go back to school and become a pharmaceutical technician.”

Meara, on the other hand, intends to study dental hygiene. Some of her friends are already in the program and seem to enjoy it. Meara said dental work has always interested her.

With different career ambitions, it is possible the twins will go to separate colleges. This will be a significant adjustment for the sisters.

“We have different perspectives on career options and some places don’t have both. It will be pretty scary,” Meara said. “I won’t have Laurel by my side to ask questions. She has always been my study buddy. I will experience what it is like on my own like every single other kid.”

Neither Laurel nor Meara has decided what school they will attend yet. They are still weighing their options but intend to enjoy what is left of senior year.

“I am just taking it as it goes,” Laurel said. “I just want to make sure that I have covered all my bases but at the same time I am excited about the future.”

Meara shares her sister’s excitement.

“I want to try myself out and find out what life is about,” Meara.