Two heads, as the saying goes, are better than one. And when it comes to sports, it would be appropriate to point out that four arms and legs are better than two – especially when those heads, arms and legs belong to Kaitlin and Meghan Simarro. The identical twins are seniors at Antioch High, where they have excelled for the past four years in three sports: tennis, soccer and softball. Imagine the possibilities for Antioch athletics had they been octuplets instead of twins.

“They are well-rounded athletes,” said John Luis. “Just great kids, 4.0 students, just solid athletes. They perform well out here (on the softball field), perform well on a soccer field, perform well on a tennis court. So they are just pretty well-rounded kids and great kids.”

As you might expect with identical twins, not only do they look and sound alike but they also have the same interests, participate in the same sports (soccer being their favorite) and plan to attend UCLA next year.

Asked what it’s been like to grow up with a twin, Kaitlin said, “It’s been good. I think we help sharpen each other. We make each other better in school and sports but, like, as people too. It’s been fun having someone by your side.”

Being athletes, they share a competitive spirit. “Yeah, I guess between us there’s definitely a lot of competition,” said Meghan. “In sports we are really competitive with each other. It helps motivate each other to do our best. It’s a benefit for me and her too.”

The Simarro sisters’ talents have probably been best on display in tennis. Both went undefeated in league play this year – Kaitlin winning the singles league championship; Meghan making it to the semifinals – and both helped their team finish second in the BVAL. You might think that would make Kaitlin the better tennis player, but she said, “I wouldn’t say that. We challenged a couple times and we both beat each other. But it just so happened the year before I played number one, so she kind of just let me have it. It just kind of went that way. But we are pretty equal as tennis players.”

In soccer they helped the Panthers make it to the NCS playoffs this year for the first time, finishing 13-8-4. Meghan, a forward striker, was selected to the All-league First Team, scoring eight goals along with 12 assists. Kaitlin, playing center midfield, was named to the All-league Second Team. And perhaps it will come as no surprise that she also scored eight goals.

In softball, Kaitlin plays shortstop while Meghan patrols right field. Last year the team made it to the NCS semifinals. Meghan was selected to the All-league First Team while Kaitlin earned an Honorable Mention. This season the team is on a roll and will likely be vying to the end against Freedom and Heritage for the BVAL championship. “We have been improving a lot,” said Kaitlin. “I think everyone is expecting a good season from us this year too. Hopefully, we can go to NCS again.”

Asked who is the better athlete, it will again come as no surprise that Meghan responded, “I would say we are about equal. I think we both have different strengths and weaknesses.” She’s not sure yet what degree or career she will pursue, saying, “Maybe something, like, sciencey or a medical field or something like that.”

These similar Simarros will be focusing on academics in college, leaving athletics for intramural sports; so those 4.0 grade point averages should serve them well. “I think it’s important if you are going to be in sports to have good grades too because you don’t want to be one dimensional,” said Meghan.

It’s safe to say that the Simarro twins are guaranteed to be at least two dimensional.