With their high school careers now in the past and their college careers on the horizon, there are few honors in the lacrosse world 2012 Andover High graduates Anne and Kate Farnham have not achieved.
All-Scholastic? Both earned the honor.
All-American? Both were perennial selections during their high school career.
Big-time college scholarships? Check and check.
Two weeks ago, the two were in Maryland for Anne to play in the elite Under Armour All-American game, and starting Sunday both will be in Orlando, Fla. to play in the U.S. Lacrosse All-American Showcase.
But the identical twins made it clear, they do not play lacrosse for the awards.
"It's definitely an honor and can be overwhelming," said Anne Farnham. "But it doesn't change the way Kate or I play the game. We play lacrosse because we love it."
Coming off outstanding careers for the Golden Warriors, the Farnham twins are spending the summer playing lacrosse with and against some of the top athletes in the country before moving on to play at UMass Amherst.
"It's been an exciting summer," said Kate. "The last four years has been a fun ride and we can't wait to move on to the next level."
Part of one of the most renowned athletic families in Andover history — including father Mark, brother, former New England Patriots receiver Buddy and many extended family members — the Farnham sisters carved out an athletic legacy in their own right, doing it all as midfielders for the Golden Warriors.
Both were three-year starters and four-year lettermen for Andover, which compiled a 72-18-2 record over those four years with trips to the Division 1 North final each of the last two seasons.
Anne finished her high school career with 98 goals and 76 assists while Kate ended with 55 goals and 49 assists. Both were also known for their lock-down defense, earning All-Scholastic honors for their efforts.
In May of her senior season, Anne received news she was one of just 44 players from across the country to be selected to the Under Armour All-American game.
"The head of the program called me and it was a huge surprise but very exciting," said Anne. "Going down to Maryland to play with girls that are all going to play at big-time colleges. Playing with the best of the best really helped me focus, and it showed me I can achieve whatever my goals are if I put my mind to it."
Not only was Anne selected, but she stood out, recording a game-high five ground balls. Her greatest cheerleader at the game, — her sister.
"It was a great experience to watch her play out there," said Kate. "It was a little weird not being out there with it, but we talked before and after the game and she was fine without me. She did great."
Anne and Kate will also see a rare separation this weekend when they play in the US Lacrosse All-American Showcase in at Disney World's Wide World of Sports complex, as just two of just 88 girls from around the country to be picked.
That's because Anne will be a member of "Team Freedom" and Kate will be playing for "Team Pride." But don't expect the sisters to go easy on one another when they meet up on the field.
"We're not going to back down," said Anne. "We have played on different teams before so we know what to do. We're still going to play our hardest and do what we have to even if it is against one another."
But while they may enjoy the occasional dual, the Farnhams will be teammates again when they report to UMass this fall as top recruits.
And both said there was never a chance the dynamic Farnham duo was going to be broken up.
"It was never an option," said Kate with a laugh. "Ever since we were little we knew we wanted to stay together. We are best friends and we have this connection not many people have. It's just different with twin sisters. We can't wait to play together at UMass. We have a connection on and off the field and we could never be separated."
