When the Lady Vol soccer team takes the field for tonight’s 7 p.m. SEC opener against Mississippi State, bystanders might have a hard time figuring out the difference between two players in the starting lineup.

Identical twins Tracy (No. 18) and Carie Swibas (No. 16) have been mainstays in Tennessee’s defensive lineup.

During their careers, the sisters have helped build the program, with highlights including last year’s history-making SEC championship team.

They nearly didn’t experience those highlights together, though.

When the Colorado natives were selecting their collegiate paths five years ago, they thought they wanted separate destinations.

As the decision-making process went on, however, it became clear to them that separation was not the ideal situation.

“We had both originally decided that we wanted to go to two separate colleges,” Carie Swibas said. “After visiting a few separate colleges as well as a few of the same colleges, we both realized that we had to go together.

“It would have been impossible for us to separate. In fact, I know one of us would have ended up transferring.”

She said the sisters are simply too close to be living hundreds of miles away.

“There is just this indescribable special bond that makes it hard for us to be apart.

“Our final visit was to UT, which we visited together. We both individually made the decision that this school was our choice, but knew that the other one had made the same decision.”

In their four years at Tennessee, the twins have found having a sister on the team is an invaluable asset – not only for each other, but also for the team.

“It makes a huge difference to not only have your sister but identical twin, who can, at times, read your mind and always understand and know where you are coming from,” Carie Swibas said.

“We obviously have chemistry. Tracy knows when it is necessary to bring me up using positive encouragement and when it is necessary to get in my face and yell at me to pick it up. It has worked out well.”

Her sister agreed, adding that having someone you know you can always count on is an added benefit.

“My sister is always there for me through thick and thin, and I realize how lucky we are for that,” Tracy Swibas said. “We work very well together on the field and I know I always have one person who believes in me and supports me 100 percent.”

Having the chance to excel on the field at Tennessee together has allowed the two sisters to continue to expand their relationship. Although the bond between the twins was already strong, they both believe that it has grown through college.

“Growing up, Carie and I were always together – we were each other’s best friend, just like we are to this day and till the day we die,” Tracy Swibas said. “Our relationship has only gotten stronger and better throughout college.

“We have learned to be independent, but yet have become closer.”

Both also expect that the deepened bond between them will continue to grow even after they depart UT.

“Tracy and I have been through everything together and she has taught me a whole lot,” Carie Swibas said. “I am excited to see what is in store for the future, maybe even owning our own business together. I don’t know what is going to happen in the next chapter of my life.

“All I know is that Tracy will be a part of it.”

Neither sister can imagine not being half of a special bond – one that has carried them through their collegiate careers and should carry into the future.

“People always ask us what it is like to be a twin,” Tracy Swibas said. “I always want to ask them what it’s like not having a twin, because I can’t imagine not having my sister, who is my best friend, in my life.

“People don’t and will never understand the bond twins have, and I am so grateful that I have that bond.”