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07/08/2024 01:48 AMMany things can forge a foundation of sisterhood between siblings. It can be through simply growing up and enduring things as a package deal, or through helping each individual person through specific moments and struggles. For a pair of North Haven High School (NHHS) track competitors, they have connected on a deeper level through each of them sealing their spots in Nighthawks’ lore.
Despite being born eight years apart, Alexandra and Rebecca Ford have remarkably followed similar paths. Both of them played the same positions in soccer as right outside midfielders and participated in both indoor and outdoor track and field during their tenures at North Haven. A decade ago, Alexandra was part of a group that set a then-school record in the 4x800 relay for the outdoor track team by clocking in for a cumulative team time of 10 minutes and 11.38 seconds in 2014.
Back on June 3 of this year, Alexandra’s younger sister, Rebecca, saw her opportunity to cement her legacy and took full advantage of it by breaking her sister’s squad’s mark in the same event, when her 4x800 foursome crossed the finish line in a blistering 10:03.50 pace.
“Despite the eight-year age gap, we are best friends and constant, unconditional supporters of each other. We've always shared a special bond, and athletics have only strengthened it,” said Alexandra. “I was able to motivate her through my own experiences, teach her the tips and tricks that I had learned and wished that I had focused on as a track athlete. Setting the high school record for the 4x800 relay in 2014 remains one of the proudest moments of my life. The memory of crossing the finish line and celebrating with my teammates, who had dedicated countless hours to achieve that goal, is still vivid. Watching my best friend succeed and make history is something that I will never take for granted. Watching Rebecca surpass my achievements fills me with immense pride. We've built each other up through every challenge, and our bond is unbreakable. We push each other to be our best selves, and I couldn't ask for a better sister to share this journey with.”
With such strong mutual admiration between the siblings, Rebecca details that Alexandra was her biggest role model towards running growing up. As the sisters hold each other in only the highest regard, Rebecca was more proud of breaking the record as a tribute to her sister rather than setting her own moment of fame.
“Alexandra has always been my biggest inspiration. I remember watching her run that relay and thinking, I want to be just like her,” said Rebecca. “When we finally broke the record, it felt like a dream come true, not just for me, but for both of us. She was there every step of the way, cheering me on and supporting me. Our competition is always healthy and filled with love. Having Alexandra by my side, encouraging me, and setting such a high standard, has been the greatest gift. She's not just my sister; she's my mentor, my best friend, and my biggest fan. Breaking her record felt like I was honoring her legacy, and it's a moment I'll always remember.”
Alexandra added how Rebecca was her biggest supporter since practically birth, and she was old enough to attend her games and meets. From running around to a special soundtrack at home, to racing into the record books for NHHS, athletics have truly made the girls inseparable.
“Since my sister was born, my parents brought her to all my school events and soccer games, so track meets were no different. Eventually, she became old enough to understand the sport, and she would make posters for me and cheer me on during indoor and outdoor meets,” said Alexandra. “She never missed a meet, and I felt proud to have her there. I can still remember her little voice cheering, ‘You got it Sissy!’ Being able to give that back to her in return years later is truly special. As little kids, I would have my sister run laps around my living room with me for hours, blasting music. Fast forward, we both ran our last lap around the NHHS track being able to say we broke a school record and made history.”
Neither sister has hung up the running shoes, nor will they plan to anytime soon. Racing has become a time-honored pastime between the two that allows them to coalesce on another level while keeping that healthy sibling rivalry alive and well.
“My sister and I have always been the best of friends, and I feel like having a shared passion for running and the sport of track and field deepens our connection,” said Rebecca. “We are able to push each other to do our best and be that motivation for one another. We always have something to do together too. If we are bored, we go to the track or around the neighborhoods and go for a run. This shared passion also instills a healthy competition within us, which strives us to always put in our maximum effort and has made me improve my abilities in so many ways.”
Alexandra completed her undergraduate degree in nursing at Quinnipiac University, then earned her master's degree in nursing and will graduate next May with her doctoral degree. Athletically, she helped jumpstart the inaugural club soccer team for the Bobcats.
She explained that as she pushes forward in her medical career, she never lets go of the ideals and traits instilled in her through her time with athletics. Still, she concluded that it is truly an honor and privilege to see her and Rebecca’s names stapled into the books, as it just further highlights the dedication they have made towards the track.
“As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) at Pro Health in Family Medicine, I stay active and connected to soccer through an adult league and run daily with my sister. We try to work out together and run at the NHHS track whenever our schedules align. As a primary care provider caring for patients of all ages, I stress the importance of determination, consistency, and persistence–the same values instilled in me as a NHHS track athlete,” said Alexandra. “This shared accomplishment binds us together and highlights the continuity of our commitment and passion for the sport. Seeing our names up there serves as a constant reminder of our perseverance and the impact we've made, both individually and as a family, on the NHHS track program.”
As for Rebecca, she will be starting as a freshman at Quinnipiac University this fall, having been accepted into the 3+3 Law program. She aspires to excel in her studies and take advantage of the Quinnipiac Washington D.C. internship travel opportunities.
“While the program will be intense, I plan to stay active by playing club sports and continuing to run, an activity I love. Being close to home, I hope my sister and I can meet up for quick runs whenever our schedules permit,” Rebecca said. “We both plan to continue our active lifestyles. The camaraderie and teamwork I experienced as a track athlete have been incredibly rewarding. The friendships formed, the mutual support, and the shared experiences have created lasting bonds and a sense of community. This sense of belonging and support network has been crucial for my personal growth and well-being.”