Walk into an Acalanes High School girls basketball practice, and it won’t take long to spot the Fernandez sisters. Sometimes it’s the cut from the same cloth competitive fire. Sometimes it’s the effortless connection on the court. And sometimes it’s the playful trash talk echoing from one end of the gym to the other. Senior Sofia Fernandez and sophomore Sienna Fernandez are proof that basketball runs deep in the family and that sisterhood can be one of the most powerful forces in sports.
On the surface, Sofia and Sienna play different roles. Sofia, the senior, is a shooter who loves to push the pace, pick up full court, and sacrifice her body for loose balls. Sienna, the sophomore, thrives in the paint, rebounding, battling bigger players, and providing a physical presence. Together, they form a perfectly balanced duo.
“I think we play very similarly but also very differently at the same time,” Sienna said. “Sofia shoots a lot more than I do and also picks up full court. I rebound a lot more and guard usually one of the biggest players. We even each other out.”
That balance is no accident. Years of playing together and against each other have built a chemistry that goes beyond standard teammate communication. For the Fernandez sisters, sometimes words aren’t even necessary. “There’s less said between us, but we still understand each other,” Sofia explained. “I can just give Sienna a head nod or a look, and she’ll get what I’m trying to say.” Sienna agrees, adding that honesty is the foundation of their connection. “We’re able to tell when something’s off about each other’s shot or when we’re not working hard enough,” she said. “We expect the best from each other in practice to ensure positive results in games.”
That expectation doesn’t always come gently, but it always comes from love. After tough games, the sisters don’t sugarcoat things. “We try to keep it as real as possible,” Sienna said. “It’s easy to only talk about the good, but it’s important to acknowledge what we need to work on. Without the constructive criticism we give each other, we are nothing.”
Who Would Win One-on-One:
Of course, no sibling story is complete without competition. And when it comes to one-on-one games, the debate is very much alive.“Me. Ninety-nine percent of the time,” Sienna said confidently, crowning herself the reigning champion. Sofia, however, strongly disagrees. “Obviously me,” she said, laughing, ‘even though Sienna won’t admit it.” The truth may never be fully settled.
Admiration runs deep on both sides. Sienna credits Sofia’s relentless effort. “She risks it all for rebounds and loose balls. I wish I could consistently give as much effort as possible like she does.” Sofia, meanwhile, points to Sienna’s physicality. “She does a really good job rebounding and being physical against post players, which is something I really want to get better at.”This season has been especially meaningful as Sofia steps into a leadership role as a senior. “Seeing her jump from junior year to senior year is so inspiring,” Sienna said. “Her role on this team is very different from it was last year.” For Sofia, that growth is fueled by having her sister by her side, pushing her, challenging her, and cheering her on.
At Acalanes, the Fernandez sisters aren’t just teammates. They’re competitors, critics, supporters, and best friends. And every time they step on the court together, they bring energy, wit, and a whole lot of sister love, proving that basketball is better when it’s shared.