Under the bright gymnasium lights, surrounded by the growing sound of sneakers squeaking and people cheering, the Kelly sisters warm up for another game in their last high school season together. 

Senior outside hitter Chloe Kelly is committed to play at Villanova next year. Her sister, sophomore setter Clayton Kelly is in the middle of her second year on varsity and has become a key player for the Chaps (28-15, 8-4 District 26-6A), who begin their playoff run Thursday at 7 p.m. against Round Rock. 

The sisters have grown together on the court throughout the past two years. After the final game of their season, the first thing Clayton said she’ll do is give her sister a hug. She knows that the biggest lessons she has learned have been from Chloe.

“We don’t need many words to be said, because we both know how special it is that we are playing together, and it is almost at the end,” Clayton said.

Chloe added: “When I am away at school and not seeing my sister every day, I think I’m first of all going to be very homesick and far away from home in general, but also missing my Clayton. She is such a close connection to not only being a teammate but also as a sister.”

Clayton’s growth on the court slowly built from the deeper connections with those on her team, especially her sister. For them, the volleyball court has always offered more time to spend together, providing a second dimension to their relationship. 

“Being on the same team as my sister both this year and last year has been a great experience,” Chloe said. “To have a teammate who I am able to talk to and have a different perspective on our team than my own has been amazing.”

Having her sister by her side lessened some of the pressure and intensity of being one of the younger players on varsity since last year, Clayton said. She had to learn a lot about the “mental part of the game,” she added. It led to her leading varsity volleyball in blocks and aces and being second in assists to complement Chloe, who is the leading hitter with 3.2 kills per set.

“I feel like I have learned a lot from the seniors already,” Clayton said. “Most of it being about non-volleyball related things. I especially learned a lot of things throughout my life from my sister. She is one of my biggest role models, and all my life, I have looked up to her and followed her.”

Their play has been crucial for a young Chaps team with just four returners to reach the playoffs. Chloe noted the importance of the younger players learning from the few seniors on the team. Turning a relatively new roster into a well-rounded team presented difficulties early on but with consistent effort, the results have paid off. 

“I feel like the season has gone nothing but upwards,” Clayton said. “In the beginning, we did start a little rough, but we figured it out. Having four returners and an essentially brand new team has been challenging, but it has been fun to see all of us come together and work hard for each other. We are doing nothing but getting better.”

Clayton revealed that sometimes she does still feel more pressure when she’s on the court with her sister, especially when she needs to make a perfect set. But those have also resulted in some of the sisters’ most special memories.

“The most memorable moment I have shared with my sister on the court is when I get a kill that she set for me, and I get to celebrate it with her,” Chloe said. “We also stand next to each other when they announce us, so it is really cool to hear both of us get called out together.” 

Even though their collaboration has become completely natural over two seasons together, they still take moments for themselves to realize the significance of their situation. They understand the special opportunities they get to experience together and cherish the time they have. 

“I would say we have always been close, and it didn’t feel like anything new to be playing on the same team as her,” Clayton said. “At this point, it just feels normal, but to look at it I realize how special and unique it is to be playing with her.”

While Chloe is taking up the opportunity to play Volleyball in college, the adjustment will be difficult for both sisters. 

“I am going to miss having her around next year,” Clayton said. “I am going to miss being able to walk across the hall to her room just to talk or get whatever I needed. It is gonna be hard for her to be all the way in Pennsylvania, but I know she is going to love it and I am so proud of her.”