By: Jason Evans

Many twins (and siblings in general) say they have a close relationship.

Then there's University of Denver women's tennis head coach Christian Bass, and her twin sister Catrina Thompson, who holds the same position at the University of Minnesota.

"Oh gosh, we probably talk to each other about four times a day, I'll call her on my way into work in the morning," Coach Bass says after practice at Denver Tennis Park.

Her "older" sister (by ten minutes) agrees the two of them have something unique.

"I've always looked up to her, she's been coaching a couple more years than I have so she's been source to lean on," Coach Thompson says from her Minneapolis office.

On Saturday morning down in Houston they'll have to hit to pause on that, at least for a few hours.

For the first time in their careers, Coaches Bass and Thompson will meet as head coaching rivals, when the Pioneers battle the Golden Gophers on the campus of Rice University. The Pios first get the raquets out Friday to play Rice.

Coach Bass admits it's "Probably a weird environment to both be out there coaching against each other, she's a great coach and has done a great job at Minnesota."

Especially weird because so much of the two sisters' history is interwoven. From the first tennis clinic at a Las Vegas park where they were discovered as children, to being the number one college doubles team in the nation at Notre Dame, the "Thompson Twins" (yes they know that's also the name of an 80's synthpop band) have always been there for each other.

But…don't think that means they both don't have their eyes on the prize.

"Come Saturday we're both going to want to get the W," Coach Thompson says.

Her sister admits she's "Looking forward to it but a little anxious to see what happens" when her Pioneers take the court.

Their father Bob Thompson was considering traveling from Nevada to Texas to watch, but says it could be a little tough to watch.

"It's one of those things as parents,"he tells me from his home in Las Vegas. "You go there and it bothers you to see one that's gotta take a loss with it and you feel good for the other one that prevails, it's always a mixed emotion."

Despite their closeness, they do say they have differences, especially during their playing days.

"Catrina on the court, she was a ball of fire," Coach Bass remembers. "A lot of fire and intensity and I was definitely more of the consistent, calm one."

Coach Thompson laughs and adds:
"She was the steadier one, whereas I could either hit a winner or maybe hit one a little too far out."

One thing they have in common however is a love of their jobs.

"I know Christian's very happy at Denver, loves the administration, and loves her players and I feel the same way at Minnesota," Coach Thompson says.

Steve Bass is taking the Minnesota match in stride. When I asked if his wife might get a little tense at home if DU loses, he gave me a big laugh and said:

"Most likely but it's quiet every time in our house when they lose."

He predicts the twins will share a big hug as soon as the match wraps up.

PIONEER MOVEMENT:
Interested in making a donation to the women's tennis program? Click Here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence. 
 
PIONEER TOGETHER: 
Follow Denver Pioneers and Denver Women's Tennis on Instagram
Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Women's Tennis on Facebook
Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_Wtennis on Twitter