For most college athletes, balancing academics with the rigorous demands of one sport is a challenge. For Sarah and Megan Zimmerman, it means managing two. The sisters, who hail from a family steeped in athletic ability, are both key players on the Generals women’s soccer and basketball teams.
Sarah, a junior, has been juggling both sports since arriving on campus in 2022. Her freshman sister Megan, eagerly followed in her footsteps. But it was their mother, Mary Zimmerman, who paved the way decades earlier, playing soccer and basketball at Cornell University.
This year, Washington and Lee’s women’s soccer team made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Sweet 16.
But during crossover season, that success came with sacrifices, as both Sarah and Megan had to sit out for the first six games of the basketball season. But the Zimmermans still were able to compete after their NCAA Tournament run.
“I mean, I hope to miss a lot of basketball games because I want to have a really great soccer season,” said Sarah. “Sometimes it is hard to see your team play and practice without you. But whatever season I’m in…I’m so invested in it that I don’t feel like I’m missing out. Like when you’re competing in like the Sweet 16 game you don’t really think about like the fourth regular season basketball game happening in Lexington.”
The transition from one sport to another in back-to-back seasons is far from seamless. As Megan adjusted to the demands of college athletics in her first year at W&L, she turned to her sister for guidance.
“It was very hard at first coming into basketball, not really knowing anybody. I think that was honestly probably the hardest part. But I had Sarah there for me and she just led the way and was a great role model,” said Megan. “I definitely went to her a lot, and if I was ever having a bad day or needed to talk to someone, I always had her to help me through that because she’s been through it too.”
Both Zimmerman sisters were recognized as First-Team All-State players in soccer. Megan was the Virginia Rookie of the Year. Now, the two compete on the 19-3 women’s basketball team, looking to push past last year’s Elite Eight appearance.
Beyond the competition and accolades, the greatest takeaway for Megan and Sarah has been the relationships they’ve built on each team.
“I’ve had such an incredible experience being able to do both. The hard moments are tough, and you do have to miss out on a lot of things, make a lot of sacrifices. We’re never home because we’re here for every single break. But it’s so worth it,” said Sarah. “To have that support system, to have those friends, and to have that structure every day is something I try not to take for granted because it really is awesome.”
