TWICE AS NICE: Shuford twins participate in All-Star Week in different events
The Shuford twins, Sana and Tat, will participate in this week’s Alabama All-Star Sports Week with Dana playing soccer and Tat playing softball. (Tim Gayle)
By TIM GAYLE
The Shuford sisters may be twins, but they each go their separate way when it comes to sports.
Sana Shuford is a midfielder for the St. James’ soccer team but admits she has never really been much of a softball fan.
“I tried softball for a while,” she said, “but it didn’t stick.”
Tat Shuford plays third base and catcher for the Trojans’ softball team, but is quick to point out she never really figured out soccer.
“I actually did play soccer until I was 10,” she said. “Then I gave it up for softball.”
Together, the Shufords will be double trouble for the North all-stars in the 28th annual Alabama All-Stars Sports Week, with Sana playing on the South soccer team while Tat suits up for the South softball all-stars.
“The opportunity for both of us to play and have our names out there with the all-stars is pretty exciting,” Sana said.
While twins have played in all-star competition before, this may be the first time two sisters have participated in different sports at the same time.
“I’ve never thought about it, but I’m glad we get a chance to play in these big games,” Tat said. “It’s exciting, especially in different sports. We’re good at different things.”
Tat was the most dangerous offensive player on a St. James team that reached the semifinals of the 3A state tournament two months ago, bashing 10 home runs with 48 RBIs, but also showed versatility by playing both third base and catcher.
“I obviously don’t know a lot about softball, how it works and the rules, but seeing her play, she’s really good,” Sana said. “Compared to other people, she’s really got it going.”
Sana, as a midfielder, was part of a state championship team that allowed just seven goals last season, but the junior also got the ball to former all-star Katie Brightwell, who finished as the top career scorer in Alabama High School Athletic Association history.
“I actually go to a lot of her games, but I don’t know anything about soccer,” Tat said. “I can’t tell if you’re good or not, but I’d say she’s pretty good if you asked me.”
While neither Tat nor Sana enjoy the other twins’ favorite sport, they do team up in the fall and play volleyball together.
“It’s really fun,” Tat said. “We both know volleyball is not our main sport so we get a chance to relax. We’ve never played together until now so it’s been great.”
“Especially because softball and soccer are just complete opposite sports,” Sana added, “so to play the same sport is pretty cool.”
Tat recently committed to play college softball at Alabama A&M so she doesn’t have to worry about impressing college recruiters.
“I just want to get better and play against these tougher girls because these tougher girls are probably going to play in college,” she noted. “They’re going to be great so I want to see how I compete with these girls from the North.”
Sana, on the other hand, hopes to make an impression on college coaches with her performance in Wednesday’s game.
“Obviously, I want to get my name out there to college coaches,” she said, “and compete as well because the North is pretty good in girls’ soccer so to be able to compete against them and see how I measure up against them is a great opportunity for me.”
Both just want to help their respective all-star team win, realizing the North all-stars have an upper hand in softball and soccer. They also want to represent their family and school in a positive manner.
“As a state champion, there’s a level I have to be at every day and train at every day and show that’s what I’m capable of,” Sana said.
“I agree,” Tat said. “I want to hold our Trojan standards high and I want people to know we are athletes and I want to represent the school really well.”
28th ALABAMA ALL-STARS SPORTS WEEK
Monday, July 15 -- Boys and girls golf, 9 a.m., Arrowhead Country Club
Monday, July 15 -- Baseball (DH), 4 p.m., Riverwalk Stadium
Tuesday, July 16 -- Boys cross country, 8 a.m., Gateway Park
Tuesday, July 16 -- Girls cross country, 8:30 a.m., Gateway Park
Tuesday, July 16 -- Boys and girls tennis, 4 p.m., Lagoon Park Tennis Center
Tuesday, July 16 -- Girls basketball, 5 p.m., Multiplex at Cramton Bowl
Tuesday, July 16 -- Boys basketball, 6:45 p.m., Multiplex at Cramton Bowl
Wednesday, July 17 -- Softball, 4 p.m., Lagoon Park Field 6
Wednesday, July 17 -- Girls soccer, 5 p.m., Emory Folmar Soccer Complex
Wednesday, July 17 -- Boys soccer, 7 p.m., Emory Folmar Soccer Complex
Thursday, July 18 -- Volleyball, 2 p.m., Multiplex at Cramton Bowl