ST. PAUL, Minn. – Every coach looks for the same type of student-athlete: hard-working, determined and someone that can excel in competition as well as in the classroom. It’s rare to find a student-athlete with all of these traits, but St. Catherine University hit the jackpot. The Wildcats managed to land a pair of identical two-sport athletes who perfectly fit that description.
Senior twins Kayla and Kim Engel are dual-sport athletes, excelling in both soccer and track. Both are nursing majors and have sky-high Grade Point Averages (GPAs).
“They are two fantastic student-athletes who understand what it takes to be the best possible players and people,” said St. Catherine soccer coach Steve Bellis.
Playing soccer since kindergarten and running track since the fourth grade, the Engel twins knew from the beginning what they wanted to do.
“As kids we tried gymnastics and when we realized we were the only two kids in the class who could not do a head stand without a wall behind us, we realized it wasn’t really our thing,” said Kim Engel. “I believe there was also a small period of our lives where we tried to dance and all I remember is being embarrassed.”
Playing soccer and running track year-round became the routine for Kim and Kayla shortly thereafter, and something they wanted to continue at the college level. The sisters always knew they wanted to attend the same school, but after meeting Bellis and track and field coach Mike Henderson on a recruiting trip, the decision was easy as they both fell in love with St. Catherine.
“Steve [Bellis] and Mike [Henderson] were waiting for us and we instantly felt a connection with both of them,” said Kayla Engel.
It also helped that both Kim and Kayla were interested in nursing, a well-respected program at St. Catherine. With the academic program they wanted and great coaches for their sports, St. Kate’s seemed to be the perfect fit for the Engels.
“I could not see myself going anywhere else,” said Kayla.
The Engel twins made their presence known as soon as they stepped onto campus, as they made immediate impacts on the soccer field and track as freshmen.
“From day one they have been very strong, positive personalities who have inspired those around them,” said Bellis. “Both players are fantastic at encouraging, supporting and communicating what is expected – they expect the best from the players around them.”
And for Kim and Kayla, watching themselves and their teammates develop over the years has made the stress of playing two sports and balancing nursing classes and clinicals worth it. The special relationships and bonds they made with their teammates are things both Engels have said they will take with them and treasure.
“I am surrounded by my friends all the time because I have practice, games or meets throughout the entire school year,” said Kayla. “Playing sports on two teams gives us the opportunity to get to know so many incredible women,” added Kim.
As senior defenders, the Engels were responsible for the transition from defense to attack and their quickness, agility and bravery is something that set them apart. Kim was a captain for the Wildcats this year and according to Bellis, could match up with anyone while Kayla could defend well in all positions.
“Kayla has more energy and drive for 90-plus minutes than any other player I have ever coached,” said Bellis. “Kim has a game understanding that is second to none.”
Being active in the fall was simply not enough for the Engel twins, as they would usually take a week or two off and then begin training for the indoor and outdoor track seasons. Balancing academics and athletics is tough for every student-athlete. While Kim and Kayla agree that it can be troublesome at times to compete year-round, that difficulty doesn’t seem to be reflected in their near-perfect GPAs at 3.969 and 3.937, respectively.
Even though the stress can be high at times, both say their busy athletic schedules has helped them with their time-management skills. They also credit their coaches for being very understanding and reminding them that school comes first.
‘Ain’t nothing but a peanut!’
As the Engels finish their last athletic season this spring, they will leave their mark on the St. Catherine record book. The track co-captains hold numerous records at St. Kate’s (see insert) and are looking to improve on already impressive careers. Both hold individual records and are a part of several relay records, something that isn’t surprising to Henderson.
“I think the combination is really something special and is a big part of the relay success we’ve had,” said Henderson. “Kim makes sure they are warmed up and ready to go and Kayla makes sure they aren’t too stressed and are excited about the moment. Then when the gun goes off Kim sets a tone that it’s time to take care of business again, and they really keep feeding off each other.”
Henderson also says that the Engels have had an immeasurable impact on the entire track team. “As any track coach will tell you, to be able to transcend event groups is not an easy thing, and they do it as well as anyone,” said Henderson.
While they are extremely similar is so many ways, having the same academic program, playing the same sports, playing defense on the soccer field and running the same or similar events in track, the Engels do have some differences.
Kayla is described as the happy-go-lucky athlete with a fantastic ability to focus on the moment without being overwhelmed by it. Her friendly personality and positive demeanor is something that is infectious.
“Her amazing view on life and how she can create such joy out of ordinary situations makes me feel extremely blessed to have her as my sister and best friend,” said Kim.
Kim is the organizer of the group and is the gutsy competitor that never backs down from a challenge. But she has her own way of lightening the mood, whether it’s by starting to dance in the middle of a tough soccer practice or coming up with an off-the-wall comment for her sister before a race.
“Kim is amazing at calming my nerves before a track race,” said Kayla. “She will yell funny things at me when I am right at the start line, like, ‘ain’t nothing but a peanut!’ and I instantly smile and feel less nervous but yet excited.”
The winning combination has led to 11 individual and relay records at St. Kate’s, making the duo next to impossible to replace.
“We will definitely miss them after this year,” said Henderson. “I only hope the younger athletes have learned from their example and keep that as part of the Engel’s legacy at St. Kate’s.”
Though both are set graduate and move on from St. Catherine’s, they are excited for new challenges. As nursing majors, their next hurdle is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which they will need to pass to complete their goal of becoming nurses. Kim is also busy planning her October wedding to former University of Minnesota baseball star Mike Kvasnicka, who was drafted in the first round by the Houston Astros.
“We have always joked growing up about living on the same street and raising families together,” said Kim. “Though life seems a little more complicated now, nothing would make me happier than being close to Kayla.”
It will definitely be a major transition for the sisters who have always been a pair, whether it’s living together, playing on the same sports teams or taking all the same classes.
“I love doing everything with Kim,” said Kayla. “She is a wonderful role model for me … I can’t imagine what my life would be like if Kim were not around all the time growing up.”
While their lives will continue to change, the Engel sisters will always have the support from their best friend, sister, teammate and roommate. Luckily for them, all these things are rolled into one.
Indoor Track Records at SCU
|
Event
|
Record Holder
|
Time
|
Year
|
|
400M
|
Kim Engel
|
59.86
|
2009
|
|
600M
|
Kayla Engel
|
1:37.28
|
2010
|
|
800M
|
Kayla Engel
|
2:17.99
|
2010
|
|
4x200M Relay
|
Kim Engel
|
1:48.34
|
2010
|
|
4x400M Relay*
|
Kim & Kayla Engel
|
4:02.68
|
2010
|
*The Engels are on the top four times for this event
Outdoor Track Records at SCU
|
Event
|
Record Holder
|
Time
|
Year
|
|
200M
|
Kim Engel
|
26.36
|
2010
|
|
400M
|
Kim Engel
|
57.76
|
2010
|
|
800M
|
Kayla Engel
|
2:15.88
|
2010
|
|
4x100M Relay
|
Kim Engel
|
49.72
|
2010
|
|
4x400M Relay**
|
Kim & Kayla Engel
|
3:54.67
|
2010
|
|
4x800M Relay
|
Kim & Kayla Engel
|
9:31.68
|
2010
|
**The Engels are on the top four times in this event