Campano twins help Thomas Jefferson girls soccer team advance to WPIAL playoffs

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, October 20, 2017 | 11:00 PM

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Angelina and Angelica Campano are avid soccer athletes.

Both have been playing since they were 3 years old. Both are four-year starters at Thomas Jefferson, and both are captains. Both also play club soccer for Century United.

When not on the pitch or in the classroom, the Campano twins most likely can be found spending time with their horses at Fallen Timber Stables in Elizabeth.

Angelica's horse is named Blue. She also has ridden another horse, Splash, which, like Blue, is boarded at Fallen Timbers. Blue is a quarter horse. The Campano family has owned him for one year.

“I do not play any other sports, however, I do ride horses for fun,” Angelica said. “I used to compete in youth rodeo and would barrel race. I was also a part of a 4-H club for horses.”

Angelica is a senior midfielder. She has a 3.5 GPA and is a member of National Honor Society, AP Humanities Club, A Capella choir and student council.

Angelina has played primarily defense but has moved to forward this season. She is involved in student council and has a 3.7 GPA.

Angelina's horse is named Pixie, which is boarded at Fallen Timbers. Pixie is a mare (female) quarter horse and has been owned by the Campano family for six years.

“We've been involved in a 4-H club, and we used to compete in youth rodeo and barrel races,” Angelina said. “We no longer compete as much as we used to. However, we still ride for fun.”

Both 18-year-old girls believe that as twins they share a special bond while on the soccer field, particularly in the games.

“For sure,” Angelina said. “My sister and I work very well off each other; it's almost as if we know what each other is going to do next.”

“Absolutely,” Angelina said. “We've shared this experience with each other ever since we were little, and I know I wouldn't be able to do it without her.”

Both girls also plan to attend college to prepare for different futures.

Angelica wants to major in interior architecture, and Angelina is leaning toward a major in business management. Angelina hopes to pursue a career in cosmetology.

But, first things first.

Thomas Jefferson's girls soccer team recently wrapped up a banner regular season, posting a 15-3 overall record.

“I think this is a very special group of girls, not just skill-wise but also with athletic ability and effort,” Angelica said. “Our strengths as a team are being able to recover from defensive breakdowns, and building from the back.”

The Jaguars qualified for the WPIAL playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, and entered the Class 3A tournament as a section runner-up. They were scheduled to play No. 6 Elizabeth Forward on Monday.

“If all the girls are all in and ready to play, we can compete with any team,” Angelica said. “I would like to add that I feel privileged to be able to play this sport with such an amazing group of girls, and coaching staff.”

No matter the outcome, the Campano twins believe they already have had an unforgettable experience playing in the Thomas Jefferson soccer program.

“My soccer career has shaped me as a person,” Angelica said. “It has taught me accountability, how to work with others, how to balance school work and sports and overall time management. This sport has prepared me for the real world, and (is) an experience that I'll never forget.

“My season has gone great.”

Angelina offered a more precise thought about her career.

“Soccer has been a huge part of my life,” she said. “Not only has it showed me how to work as a team (player), it has showed me how to be a responsible woman.”

TJ's first-year coach Jason Vozar raved about the twins' dedication and diligence to the game of soccer.

“Their commitment and work rate has been amazing,” said Vozar, who was the Jaguars assistant. “I have coached them for four years and not once have they arrived late at a training session or a game, and not given 100 percent. Their attitude towards their teammates and coaching staff has been professional and respectful. And they mean business.

“It has really been a joy to coach them both. They are just winners, on and off the field.”

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Thomas Jefferson