The Nine Lives of Some Unique Panther Cats

Georgia State Panthers Have Nine Athletes Who Are Twins

"Twins are a double blessing" - Caolan O'Gorman

Whether fraternal or identical, we all seem to share a fascination with twins. That appeal associated with twins is certainly found at Georgia State.

Bio forms filled out show nine student-athletes who share their birthdate, and some their looks, with their equal sibling.

Whether virtually indistinguishable or as different as chalk and cheese, each set of twins has their own story to tell.

What do we know about GSU's twins?

• Of the nine sets, four are girl-girl, four are boy-girl and one is boy-boy
• Four sets are at GSU, two sets are GSU-UGA combos, one set both play soccer at different schools, and two sets are separated now by oceans
• Four sets have names that start with the same letter
• One set was the valedictorian-salutatorian of their high school class
• One set has never been apart for more than one day at a time in their lives
• Several sets pulled the switch of classes on their teachers
• Six sets are from metro Atlanta, one is from Texas, one from Ireland and one from Zimbabwe
• One set are both computer science majors at GSU
• Five of the nine sets are involved with soccer
• The oldest set was born in 1989, the youngest set in 1993
• All were born between one minute and 13 minutes apart, but those bragging rights mean a lot to some, since one claims equality by being ½ inch taller
• Not many people would claim to love brussels sprouts, but one pair both love them

Think of Gemini.  Astronomy marks it as a constellation.  Those born between May 21 and June 21 claim Gemini as their astrological sign. If well-versed in mythology, Gemini is recognized by its two brightest twin stars on the eastern horizon, called Castor and Pollux. But behind all of Gemini's collective meanings, the Latin translation of Gemini is simple: twins.

GeorgiaStateSports.com tracked them all down, found some photos, and compiled a snapshot of life as a twin, according to the nine pairs in Panther Athletics. They are all listed below in alphabetical order.

Click through the above photo album to view pictures, both past and present, of the similar siblings.

Julian and Brandon Black (Both GSU)

No, you weren't seeing double at that last cross country meet, it was Julian and Brandon Black, twins on both the cross country and track teams at Georgia State.  Although Julian was the first-born, it could be either one that crosses the finish line first in a competition.

Unless you are a close friend or family member, you'll find it difficult to tell the difference between the identical duo.  Brandon and Julian's resemblance is so strong that they switched classes five times in high school, failing at it only once.  The only blemish during their class-switching escapades resulted in Brandon earning Julian detention and a zero on his homework.

The difficulty in distinguishing between the two didn't end in the classroom. As members of the Centennial High School (Roswell) track team, Brandon and Julian caused some confusion and double takes by running different legs on the same relay teams in the 4x400, 4x800 and distance medley relay.

The expression, "two peas in a pod," seems perfect when describing the Black twins as they share nearly all the same interests and hobbies. Both have competed in track and cross country for eight years in the USATF, AAU, high school and now at Georgia State. 

Both also polished their martial arts skills by participating in taekwondo for six years from fourth through ninth grade.  Julian and Brandon played in band together for nine years and both were members of the Centennial High School marching band for one year before joining cross country.  Between the two of them, they have musical experience playing the trumpet, tuba, clarinet and baritone saxophone. Brandon continued with his musical talents and now plays bass guitar. 

Due to their shared interest in computers, Brandon and Julian are currently both pursuing majors in computer science. So, some GSU professors may have realized already they are seeing double in some of their classes.

Talia and Tatiana Colbert (Both GSU)

The other set of identical twins appearing on the Georgia State track team are Talia and Tatiana Colbert. Both were born on April 2, 1992 but Tatiana has a 13-minute advantage on youngest twin Talia. Natives of metro Dallas, Texas, the two have been sneaky with their resemblance on more than one occasion.

"In kindergarten, we would switch classes and fool our teachers," said Talia.  "Even though some people have a hard time telling us apart, I have a distinctive mark on my nose and Tatiana doesn't. Tatiana is also just a little bit taller than I am, which you only know if we're standing side-by-side."

In addition to their swiftness around the track, Tatiana and Talia share similarities outside of sports. They cited one of their favorite hobbies as eating, and surprisingly enough they both love to chow down on brussels sprouts. 

Like any set of siblings, however, they do have some differences. Talia tends to be more talkative and outgoing while Tatiana enjoys living the laid back and reserved lifestyle. Although they shared the same clothing as children, their sense of fashion has gone in different directions as they have grown. To go along with her laid-back lifestyle, Tatiana is happy walking out of the house in sweatpants and a t-shirt. Talia's more outgoing personality is complemented with a more fancy and feminine fashion style.  

Lyndsey and Lauren Gaffney (Both GSU)

This set of women's soccer twins both have duties on the Georgia State team. Lyndsey Gaffney uses her skills at the Panthers' midfield while twin sister Lauren's talents are behind the scenes, working as team manager.

Although Lyndsey is the one playing on the pitch now, the sisters both began soccer at the age of four at the encouragement of their father who didn't want them to become "girlie girls."

Lyndsey revels in the glory of being first-born, gaining a one-minute head start on Lauren.  Like most siblings, they constantly waffled between fighting and getting along but were always sure to be friendly on the soccer field. However, their connection on the field goes deeper than just a friendship.

"We share this kind of twin connection when we play soccer," said Lyndsey.  "If one of us gets hurt playing soccer, the other one can also somewhat feel the exact pain."

Outside of their shared interest in soccer, Lyndsey and Lauren are very different when it comes to personalities. Lauren is more headstrong and direct and has no problem striking up a conversation with anyone, while Lyndsey tends to be more passive and reserved. To complement her chatty ways, Lauren is considered the social butterfly of the duo. Lyndsey enjoys spending her time off the pitch engaging in other outdoor activities like fishing and horseback riding.

According to Lyndsey, the love of all outdoors can be traced back to childhood days when their outside activities included a bit more mischief. "Growing up, Lauren and I would hurry home after school to play in the creek by our house," said Lyndsey. "We would try to catch anything and everything we could find like frogs, tadpoles, fish, snakes and salamanders. One time we caught a baby snake and brought it in the house and kept it for a couple of days until our mom found out. Needless to say, she wasn't too happy and we ended up getting in big trouble."

Chris (GSU) and Nicole Locandro

There is nothing wrong with a little bit of sibling rivalry, especially when it results in two scholarships to Division-I schools. At least that is the case for twins Chris and Nicole Locandro, soccer stars extraordinaire.

From their earliest moments when Nicole held a two-minute lead over brother Chris to claim the crown as first-born, the two siblings have been competing in nearly all that they do. Their biggest competition, however, can be found on the soccer field.

Chris and Nicole developed their soccer skills on the same team for several years, even after the transition from co-ed to single sex teams. During their elementary years, Nicole was placed on brother Chris' boys' team because her skills trumped those of most girls her age. Nicole's time with the boys came to an end at age 13, when she finally decided to share her talents with the girls.   

Both developed into standout players on their respective teams; Chris anchored the defense, while Nicole found her talent in the midfield. In club competition, both helped to lead their teams to a top 10 spot in national rankings. 

During their high school years on The Walker School's squads, Chris and Nicole won a combined three state titles, a feat that earned both of them coverage by ESPN Rise. Throughout all their years of success in soccer, they both give credit to the other for helping them to get where they are today.

The Locandros' remarkable performances landed both of them Division-I opportunities; Chris' at Colgate University where he played for one year before transferring to Georgia State and Nicole's at the University of Georgia.  This year on the Georgia State men's team, Chris' defensive prowess has contributed to two shutouts thus far this season. At Georgia, Nicole has started every game this season at midfield and notched one goal for the Bulldogs.

Outside of their soccer stardom, Chris was sure to share some other interesting information about his and Nicole's siblinghood.

"We have this odd tendency to unknowingly mumble or sing the same song at the same time," commented Chris. "We are often singing at the exact same moment within the song to where we are perfectly in sync. Also, when we were babies, my mom had to dress me in blue and Nicole in pink to distinguish us because we were virtually identical."

Although you'll have no problem telling who's who now, Chris and Nicole's passion for soccer is one in the same.

Sade and Charmene Means (Both GSU)

In their 21 years of existence, twin sisters Sade and Charmene Means have never been separated from each other for more than a day at a time. Maybe it is this fact that contributes to the strong connection they share, both on a relational and extra-sensory level.

"We have this bizarre twin connection," said Sade. "A lot of the times if something bad happens to Charmene, I can feel that and call her, and she does the same for me before we have to tell one another."

In addition to their clairvoyant link, Sade and Charmene share a mutual love and talent for basketball. Both played on the women's basketball team at Benjamin Mays High School in Atlanta before taking their talents to Boone, N.C. to play for the Mountaineers of Appalachian State.  When Sade transferred to Georgia State to join the women's team here, there was no doubt that Charmene would follow to keep that closeness with her sister and continue to train.

"We try to train together all the time, but we can never actually get through a workout because we always end up breaking into a game of one-on-one," said Sade. "We help each other along both on and off the court. I feel like when we are playing, we owe each other something. I consider us both great basketball players, but our strengths and weaknesses are in different areas of the game."

Although Sade and Charmene both share a passion for basketball, they do have some differences in other areas of their lives. Sade is more friendly and outgoing while Charmene is the quieter of the two.

After spending over 7,665 days together, you think they would be due for some time apart, but that is not what Sade and Charmene see for the future.

"We hope we never have to be far from each other, no matter what happens after college," commented Sade. "We plan on living in the same town, in the same neighborhood just a couple houses down from each other."

Victor (GSU) and Tendai Nkhoma

Victor and Tendai Nkhoma seem to steer somewhat from the twin norm established by the other sets of twins involved with Georgia State athletics. Unlike the other siblings mentioned, the Nkohams seem to share fewer similarities.

One of the few interests they do share is that they are both rather talented singers. Aside from their angelic voices and a mutual enjoyment of Italian cuisine, Victor and Tendai couldn't be more opposite.

Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, the Nkohamas' unlikeness began as children.  As the first-born, Victor took an early liking to sports and all things outdoors. Although Tendai did play a few years of volleyball growing up, she later turned her focus to school. Despite her concentration on studies, Tendai is the more talkative and outspoken of the two as Victor is the reserved and quiet one.

"Tendai was always more studious in school and not as into sports as I was growing up," said Victor. "She is really into books, movies, music and I think would consider herself more of an indoor-type person."

Victor's love of sports as a child became more concentrated to an appreciation of soccer. In addition to his skills on the soccer field, Victor was also a member of the cricket provincial team. As a stellar member of the Amagedon club soccer team, he caught the eye of recruiting forces at Georgia State and joined the men's soccer team in 2009. During his time here, Victor has appeared in 28 games and contributed with three assists as a member of the Panther midfield.  Until Georgia State makes the decision to add cricket to its list of varsity sports, continue to look for Victor on the pitch at Panthersville.

Caolan (GSU) and Aoife O'Gorman

Some may call it the luck of the Irish, but it wasn't luck that made the O'Gorman twins into the soccer players they are today; it was good old fashioned hard work and determination. Natives of Tipperary, Ireland, Caolan (pronounced KEE-lan) and sister Aoife (pronounced (EE-fah) have both played soccer their entire lives.

Caolan beat out Aoife as oldest by 10 minutes and also was the first to land a scholarship to play in the U.S. as a member of the Georgia State men's soccer team. Although he has a head start on his sister, Caolan knows Aoife won't be too far behind.

"Aoife is really interested in coming to the U.S. to play somewhere on a soccer scholarship," said Caolan. "She is extremely talented and got picked to represent Munsterin earlier this summer in the Gaynor Cup U18, a national tournament in Ireland."

The O'Gormans' passion for soccer has been shared their entire lives, both playing on the same team until the age of 12. After all the years spent playing on the same team, the sibling rivalry emerged. Aoife made the Munster development team and won the penalty shootout competition with the club, defeating Caolan in the final.

The twin duo continued on to play for Cashel Community School, where they both developed into one of the top players on their respective teams. Caolan and Aoife both anchored the middle, playing center midfield and captained their teams to the finals in 2011 with Aoife notching two goals in the championship game. 

In addition to their soccer expertise, both Caolan and Aoife enjoy playing hurling and Gaelic football, the two most popular spectator sports in Ireland. Fans no doubt spectated as Aoife captained the Tipperary Ladies Gaelic Football team to all-Ireland glory in 2009.

Although the O'Gormans currently are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, Aoife will hopefully land that scholarship to the States so the two can once again be close to one another, or at least in the same country. 

Kelsey (GSU) and Kelley Spinks

Yes, Kelsey and Kelley Spinks may be identical twins, but you'll have absolutely no trouble telling who is who.

"Kelley is blonde and would never stray from it," said Kelsey, the GSU twin. "But me, I've changed my hair color more times than I can count."

While their locks may be different shades now, growing up the pair was one in the same. Both participated in high-level gymnastics for about eight years before they switched together to cross country and track. All the time spent in sports has made the Spinks pretty competitive, but the added twin aspect has increasingly intensified the competition between the two. Both Kelsey and Kelley attribute their high achievement and need to succeed to the shared competition between them.

"Kelley had me beat as the oldest by about 10 seconds," commented Kelsey "But over the years, I've grown to be around half an inch taller, so I'll call that about even."

After spending countless years competing in the same sports and on the same teams, Kelley strayed from the running route in her final years of high school and picked up cheerleading and soccer.

"We had been competing against each other nearly all our lives," said Kelsey. "It was nice to take sports out of that mix after 16 years."

Although their sport of choice may have changed, the one thing that remained constant for both was their intellect and the importance they placed on schoolwork. At their graduation from Eagles Landing High School in Stockbridge, Ga., in 2008, Kelsey held the high honor as class valedictorian, while Kelley took the distinguished title as salutatorian. Kelsey currently serves as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

After attending the same elementary, middle and high school, Kelsey and Kelley decided to venture out onto their own paths.

"I followed my heart here to the city to go to Georgia State, but Kelley only had eyes for the University of Georgia," said Kelsey. "I think choosing to go to separate colleges really is one of the best things we could have done and we each get to do what we want."

At Georgia State, Kelsey found her place on the women's cross country and track teams. Sister Kelley chose not to continue her athletics career at the University of Georgia but is continuing her interest in health and fitness, pursuing a degree in health promotions. Even though they may be at separate colleges now, Kelsey and Kelley share a special connection that can never be removed.

"Our emotions seem to be tied together because if she laughs, I laugh; if she cries, I cry, and vice versa," commented Kelsey. "I have grown to appreciate that about us. Basically, she is the best person I know. I am blessed to call her my twin sister and best friend."

Jordan (GSU) and Jacob Young

August 8, 1991 proved to be a surprising day for Mr. and Mrs. Paul Young, who had been told by the doctor they would be giving birth to a set of beautiful twin girls, with the names Megan and Molly already picked out by the parents. It soon became evident those names would simply not suit as both a girl and boy were born that summer day. The audible by the parents came up with the names Jordan and Jacob Young.   

Jacob gained bragging rights, beating out sister Jordan by just one minute to earn the title as oldest twin. From that day on, although they have had their fair share of disagreements and tussles, the pair has constantly looked out for one another.

"When we were really young, we always wanted to bring something home for the other if we weren't together," said GSU's Jordan. "I would grab an extra sticker from the doctor or a second lollipop from the bank teller if Jacob wasn't with me to give him when I got home."

As Jordan and Jacob grew up, they both developed into competitive athletes with a love for soccer. Jacob took his soccer talents to Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Ga. while Jordan spent a year with the University of Georgia women's soccer team before settling into her current spot on the Georgia State women's soccer roster. After spending nearly every day together for their first 18 years, the move to different colleges was quite a change for the Young duo.

"I really do miss Jacob while he is in Cleveland for school because he doesn't come home that often," commented Jordan. "I make up for that by talking to him on the phone as often as possible and we do meet up for lunch or dinner whenever we both have the time."

Maybe the next time you check your horoscope, or gaze up at the stars at night, remember the Gemini of Georgia State Athletics with the nine sets of twins.