Freshman year is full of new experiences  – new school, new people, and new responsibilities. However, freshmen are not the only ones to feel these pressures. The newest members of the Walpole High School Basketball Program – twin sisters, Ali and Mimi Theodore – are also experiencing the new responsibilities and pressures just like the freshman; but in their case, it is their new job, not a new school year.

Many of the things Ali and Mimi have done in the past have been side by side; working together comes naturally to them. Ali said, “We have really become accustomed to doing things in twos, so as a result I think we almost balance each other, sometimes without even knowing it.” However, when it comes to decision making they do not always agree but are always able to come to one joint decision.

Another benefit of working together is that they can split up and give advice to different players simultaneously.  In several games, Ali and Mimi split up during time-outs; one coached the players going into the game, while the other coached the players coming out of the game.

The two have led their team to an outstanding season, with a 13-3 record.   Ali said, “As coaches, it is our job to make sure that each player is dedicated to adding depth, talent, and hard work to each practice and game.” Nearly all of the 13 wins were blowouts; in some cases they doubled their opponent’s score.  Their only losses were two tough games against Norwood and a very close game against Braintree in the final game of their season.

As former players who were in the same scenario only a few years ago, Ali and Mimi acted as role models for their team and provided leadership for their players.  One of the freshman players Julie Hinton said, “Ali and Mimi have helped each one of us improve in a way that is fun and enjoyable.”

The twins graduated from Walpole High in 2008. After that, they attended Brandeis University where they both played four years of soccer and one year of softball. Along with their new coaching jobs, they are both working at the May Institute – a school for children with severe autism. In addition to their busy lives, they are both pursing careers in education law and recently applied to law school.

Influencing many young girls’ lives, Ali and Mimi continue to show they are a great addition to the Walpole High School Basketball Program.  From the first day of practice trying to teach their players how to tell them apart, to all of the other amazing memories that their season included, the Theodores coached their team to an enjoyable, victorious season.