Two Sisters, One Team, One Dream

For sisters Neave and Molly Sullivan, hockey has always been more than just a sport. Growing up in North Andover, Massachusetts, the two shared a love for the game, but never imagined they would one day have the opportunity to play alongside each other at the collegiate level. Now, as members of the Syracuse University Women’s Club Hockey team, that dream has become a reality.

Senior Neave Sullivan ’27 and sophomore Molly Sullivan ’29 have spent much of their lives on the ice. Although they grew up playing for the same town teams, their age difference often kept them on separate lines. This season marks a special milestone as the sisters finally get the chance to compete together.

“Being on a line with Neave has always been a dream of mine,” Molly said. “We have been on the same town teams, but she was always paired with her age group for lines. We have grown up with the same coach, our dad, and took his advice seriously, so now we can be called ‘the Sullivans.’”

Their shared hockey journey has brought them closer, both as sisters and as teammates. From childhood practices to collegiate competition, the Sullivans have built a connection that extends far beyond the rink.

For Neave, getting to spend her final year of college hockey alongside her younger sister makes the season especially meaningful. “I feel so lucky to spend my last year of hockey playing alongside my sister,” Neave said. “We’ve never had the opportunity to be on the same team before, which makes this season even more special.”

While their chemistry on the ice comes from years of growing up together, their bond off the ice is just as strong. With similar personalities and smiles, the sisters are often mistaken for one another. “People tend to get us mixed up because of our almost identical personalities and smiles,” Molly said. “I will forever cherish this time with us on the same team and line.”

Beyond the excitement of playing together, the experience has given both sisters memories they will carry long after their time at Syracuse. “I couldn’t imagine a better person to share this experience with,” Neave said. “She makes everything so much more fun, both on and off the ice, and I’m so grateful to have my sister and best friend as my teammate.”

For Molly, the opportunity is equally meaningful. After years of watching and learning from her older sister, she now gets to stand beside her as a teammate, sharing the same goals and representing the same university. With two years separating their graduating classes, the Sullivan sisters know their time together on the ice is limited. But for now, they are making the most of every practice, game and moment they get to share.

From North Andover to Syracuse, their journey has come full circle. What began as two sisters growing up with a shared passion for hockey has turned into an unforgettable collegiate experience.