Carlsons, Wilds latest in long line of siblings trained by Head Coach Sharon Rosenburgh

By Parker Myers
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Serena and Venus Williams. Mike and Bob Bryan. Marat Safin and Dinara Safina. Over the years, tennis has evolved into a sport in which sibling combinations are not at all uncommon.

But despite being in the same family, sophomore Mikaela Carlson and senior Annika Carlson said the sport is one best pursued individually, at least within the Carlson family.

“We tried to play doubles once, and it went really bad,” Annika said. “(Mikaela) got mad at me because I was having too much fun.”

Mikaela also said the idea was not successful. “Our personalities are so different,” she said. “She’s a lot more fun and easy-going. I’m more serious.”

Despite differences in their approach to the game, both sisters said they find success in their own ways. According to Head Coach Sharon Rosenburgh, both sisters are involved in two matches this season. Mikaela plays two different singles positions for the team, while Annika plays two doubles. Annika’s doubles partner is junior Olivia Trancik.

Rosenburgh said both sisters are integral parts of the team’s success. The team will start Sectional play today at 5 p.m. at the Todd Witsken Tennis Center.

“Both are returning letter winners,” Rosenburgh said via e-mail. “Both are part of the 2009 MIC conference team and State champion team. Both have earned numerous CHS tennis championships, scholar-athlete status and numerous match victories.”

Rosenburgh said Carmel has a rich history of sibling combinations, especially in the tennis program.

“I have coached many sibling combos, even twins,” she said. “(I have coached ) the Armstrongs, the Thompsons, the Neukams, the Cunahs, the Baqueses, the Basses, the Toussiants, the Resleys, the Morleys, the Keenans and even currently, the Wilds. We have two sets of sisters on the team right now.” For the latter combination, Rosenburgh refers to freshman Hayley Wild and junior Courtney Wild.

Rosenburgh said even though the Carlson sisters’ achievements parallel one another, each Carlson has taken their own path to their current successes.

“Annika doesn’t take herself too seriously yet offers a very deliberate approach to her responsibilities on the team,” Rosenburgh said. “Mikaela is also personable, but has a more serious approach to her tennis, both physically and emotionally. Both are very effective with how they apply their tennis skills in practice and in a match.”

Annika and Mikaela’s family, like many families with siblings who play, is one that is deeply attached to tennis. According to Rosenburgh, their mother is a professional coach who played tennis at Purdue. Also in the Carlson family is another younger sister involved in tennis. Annika said her younger sister Kierstin has a lot of potential in the sport.

“(Kiersten’s) really good, and she’ll probably go pro,” Annika said. “She’s more like Mikaela in that she’s got more of a temper, more of an ‘I-have-to-win-everything’ attitude. I think it’s a red-head thing.”

Annika said the reason their personalities on the court differ lies in their tennis potential. “I’m not playing college tennis, so I’m not very serious about it,” she said. “Mikaela probably will play in college.”

Rosenburgh said while the sisters get along well, their relationship is not always apparent.

“Their relationship is very passive,” Rosenburgh said. “If someone didn’t know they were sisters, I don’t think you would guess that they were.”

Mikaela said they are two separate individuals. While the two share a unique bond as sisters, their relationship on the court is not as close.

“She always looks out for me,” Mikaela said. “But we’re definitely different.  We’re pretty separate.”

Despite not playing well as a team, both Carlson sisters said they have a unique relationship that is beneficial both on and off of the court. And this relationship has helped them achieve success throughout their respective tennis careers.

It’s better to have a friend that is also your sister,” Annika said. “It’s a really great support system, especially for Mikaela because she really needs it.”

According to Rosenburgh, the sisters’ relationship is very comparable to that of two teammates, appropriate given their situation.

“They are sisters first, but on the court they are teammates,” Rosenburgh said. “They can share rides, share frustrations, share laughs, share responsibilities. However, these are traits that each teammate shares as well.”

Mikaela said the benefits of having Annika on the team far outweigh the conflicts they have when they play together. “It’s so great to have a sister on the team cheering you on,” she said. “I’m more comfortable with her, and she always looks out for me.”