The University of Memphis Women’s basketball team has a unique structure to their team. With players from all over the country, and even crossing the border into Canada, this recruiting class brings together a diverse group of athletes. Featured in that diverse team is a pair of twins that are both from Memphis. Not every team can say that.
Lanetta and Lanyce Williams are both juniors on the basketball team. They came to Memphis together because they felt it was the right decision for both of them and they felt the family atmosphere. As soon as there was a change in coaching staff, they felt the same support and family feel they did with the previous staff.
“We are big on family, why go away from family, when you can just join another family,” Lanyce said.
Being a twin offers a different relationship between the two than any other player may have. The constant encouragement and competition can push the twins, and that relationship helps them on, as well as off, the court.
“She is my best friend. She humbles me all the time. She picks me up when I am down and it is good to know I always have someone in my corner,” Lanetta said.
Some say twins have a special connection, one not found between friends or even average siblings, which comes in handy when the two are on the court together. Lanyce says she can tell when something is off with her sister, compounding the duo’s chemistry on the court.
“We know when the other one is off. We can look at one another and know everything is ok. That is important to us and our ability to compete and play to our best ability,” Lanyce said.
Although the two are similar in size and stature, even sharing the ability to play the same positions, sharing the court has never been an issue.When Lanetta plays at the forward position, Lanyce plays at center.
“I know what kind of shots she likes because we have been playing together for so long, so we use that to our advantage,” Lanyce said.
They were recruited by a different staff as freshmen and they are open to change, embracing it with open arms. They became accustomed to this because their dad played competitive basketball overseas, allowing them to see how much he had to change over the course of his basketball career.
“We are used to change, and we welcomed the new staff with open arms. We are remaining positive and looking forward to working with them this season,” Lanetta said.
Looking towards this season, the twins are both excited. The new coaching staff is hoping it ushers in a new era of Memphis women’s basketball and the twins are amped to bring their complimentary playstyle to the court.
“We are looking forward to shaking up the conference and proving a lot of people wrong in regard to our team. Winning is important, but we are both looking forward to playing with this team,” Lanyce said.
This team embraces the twins and uses them to their advantage. Although they are similar in many ways, they bring different assets to the team.
“It’s very unique to have sisters, let alone twins on the team. They both bring two very different things to the team,” Head Coach Katrina Merriweather said. “Lanyce brings a lot of local leadership. Lanetta can bring athleticism and get a lot of rebounds. Their chemistry is contagious. It helps us create the culture we want for this team to move forward into the season.”
Twins Lanetta and Lanyce Williams, Memphis natives, are excited to put their chemistry to work on the court this year. They say their relationship goes above and beyond a standard teammate relationship, boosting their efficiency on the court.
