Sophomores Cara and Lauren Curtin have accomplished more together in their athletic careers at SRJC than arguably any other tandem in the history of California community college soccer.

The twin sister teammates led their team to SRJC’s first ever CCCAA state championship title; Cara was named America’s National Player of the year by the National Soccer Coaches Association. Both were named first team All-American, an honor bestowed upon the nation’s 10 best players.

Over the summer of 2011, the SRJC soccer team was stocked with talented freshmen and quality returning players, but there was one problem—they had no head coach. 2010 head coach Emiria Salzman, whom the Curtin’s were fond of, suddenly cut ties with SRJC and accepted the head-coaching job at Sonoma State University. “For the summer classes we were expecting Emiria. I was all excited,” Lauren said. I woke up to a text she sent out. I was going to get over it eventually.”

The men’s soccer coach Marty Kinahan helped provide structure to the coachless women’s team running co-ed practices. “Marty did some work with the team,” Lauren said. The sisters found a way to make the best of the situation during the time spent working out with the men’s team.

After double day workouts started, the team finally got its new coach. Idoneously, accomplished and veteran SSU soccer coach Luke Oberkirch took the helm at SRJC, essentially flip-flopping coaching jobs with Salzman.