ITHACA, N.Y. -- Just outside Philadelphia, in Wynnewood, Pa., competition was never something Grace and Rose had to seek out. It lived in their driveway, at the rink down the road, and inside a household where toughness, effort, and pride were daily expectations. Raised in a family deeply rooted in athletics, the sisters grew up constantly in motion. Their father competed at Brown, their mother at Harvard, and from the time Grace and Rose could walk, sports were part of everyday life. Hockey eventually became the constant, but the mindset behind it was shaped just as much by where they grew up as by what they played. 

They grew up early at the Wissahickon Skating Club, the oldest rink in the Philadelphia area and the place where both sisters learned to skate, played their first games, and began carving identities that would one day bring them to Cornell. Grace took to hockey right away, while Rose initially followed the figure skating path of their older sister Lucy before making a defining switch. "I was the only kid in the hockey skills group wearing figure skates, " Rose said. "I told my dad I wanted to try hockey skates, and once I did, I loved it. "

From that point on, the sisters' paths stayed connected, though never identical.

Growing up, they played everything. Hockey and lacrosse led the way, but soccer, basketball, tennis, and even field hockey all played a role. Grace spent a season as a field hockey goalie, gaining an appreciation for the game from a different perspective. Lacrosse came naturally, influenced by both parents' collegiate experience. Academics always mattered just as much, with both sisters attending public school in the highly regarded Lower Merion School District. That balance between competitiveness and discipline would later become central to Grace's college decision. "What really drew me to Cornell was the culture," Grace said. "Being around the rink, seeing how the players interacted, how the coaches ran things, it just felt very down-to-earth. On top of that, the academics and athletics together were a great fit for me."

Now years into her Cornell career, Grace describes the university as a place that feels close-knit while still demanding growth. "It feels family-oriented," she said. "People are approachable and kind, but it also pushes you to grow as a person. Seeing alumni come back and knowing you're playing for people who came before you, that's special."

Grace's competitive edge did not start in Ithaca. One of the most formative experiences of her athletic development came playing boys hockey at a time when girls hockey was still emerging."Playing with boys every day shaped me," she said. "It made me strong, competitive, and tough. You learn not to back down and to bring a certain fierceness."

Another defining moment came her freshman year of high school, when she helped win a state championship in lacrosse. That experience reinforced her understanding of accountability and the importance of every role within a team. "It taught me what a team really is," Grace said. "Everyone contributes in different ways, and all of it matters." That edge shows on the ice, where Grace plays with intensity, and contrasts with how she carries herself away from the rink. "People probably think I'm mean on the ice," she said with a smile. "But off the ice, I'm pretty calm."

As sisters, their dynamic has always been shaped by roles. Rose, the youngest, grew up chasing, observing, and absorbing lessons through competition and proximity. "I always looked up to my sisters, " Rose said. "I wanted to do what they did. It definitely made me tougher." 

Grace, the middle child, became the connector, learning organization and maturity from Lucy while matching Rose's energy and competitiveness. Their personalities differ, but they balance one another. "We complement each other," Grace said. "We support each other."

That balance has translated naturally onto the ice, where both sisters have carved out dependable identities on the blue-line.

Grace's path has been defined by consistency and composure. As someone who learned to bridge personalities within her family, she brings a calming influence to the defensive unit while still playing with the grit and competitiveness needed succeed on the ice. Her attention to detail and understanding of the game have helped her evolve into a trusted defender and offensive contributor.

Rose developed a fearless edge to her game, shaped by years of trying to keep up with older siblings and refusing to back down in competition. Her confidence with the puck and willingness to play physically reflect the toughness she says was built at home, while her steady growth has allowed her to become a reliable presence for her teammates, and together, the sisters have pushed one another to grow into strong contributors on the back end.

The mindset of toughness and hard-work that Grace and Rose personifies traces back to their Philadelphia roots. From Eagles fandom to historic landmarks, the city's pride and toughness still define them. One place stands above the rest: the Penn Valley Pub, a longtime family staple where Philly sports culture thrives and where local legends have passed through. "It's just one of those spots, " they said. "Good food, good people, and always sports on."

That connection to home has strengthened the bond between the sisters themselves. Even as their hockey journeys have grown more demanding, the familiar routines and places from home remain constants they can lean on together. The competitive spirit of Philly sports, combined with the close-knit atmosphere they experienced growing up, helped create a relationship rooted in accountability and support. Whether at the rink or back home watching a game with family, Grace and Rose carry the same edge, pride, and togetherness that defined their upbringing.

Looking ahead, Grace remains focused on staying present as she wraps up her chapter at Cornell, while also feeling excited about what comes next. Whether that means pursuing a professional hockey opportunity, stepping into the business world through the Dyson School, or eventually coaching and giving back, her goals reflect the same mindset she grew up with. "I just want to do something that helps others," she said. "The way people have helped me."

For Rose, her journey at Cornell is still unfolding, and the highs and lows that shaped her early years have become fuel for continued growth. The experiences of her underclass seasons have strengthened her resilience and drive, setting the foundation for her to push herself to new heights throughout the rest of her collegiate career and beyond.

For Grace and Rose, Cornell represents more than a destination. It is the continuation of a journey that began years ago on a rink outside Philadelphia, built on grit, competitiveness, and family. Different paths, same foundation, Philly toughness. Sisters who grew together, competed together, and shared the gratitude of being apart of the Big Red together.