Twin sisters, Jacquelene "Jaci" Powell and Juliana "Juli" Powell, are perhaps the biggest two stars of the Golden West College track and field team, but soon they will be separating to begin their new lives apart from each other.

Both twins participated in a first-ever letter of intent signing day event hosted by the GWC athletic department, where 32 GWC athletes, in addition to the Powell sisters, signed letters officially deciding which universities they will attend in the fall.

Jaci will head north to compete for the California Golden Bears while Juli will head 3,000 miles further west to be a member of the Hawaii Warriors track and field team.

"I think Hawaii is a perfect fit for my sister Juli, and that she is going to love it. I am sad that she will be so far, but I couldn't be happier for her," Jaci said who remains focused on her events in hopes to win a state title once again, and to score high enough to compete at the Olympic trials this summer.

"I could not be happier for my sister Jaci, to be attending Cal in the fall. It's been her dream school for a long time and I am so proud to see her reach her goals," Juli said.

Juli competes in pole vault, javelin, 4 x 100, 4 x 400, and the 100-meter dash. "I have reached personal bests in many events here at GWC," Juliana said.

Meanwhile, Jaci pushes herself in several events including the heptathlon, an event which includes the 100-meter dash, high jump, shot put, 200-meter dash, javelin, the 400-meter run, the 800-meter run, the relays, and the triple jump.

"I will miss the beautiful campus. It has been a little sanctuary for me at times," said Juli, who also expressed gratitude to the teachers and coaches who have helped her along the way.

The Powell twins will next compete on Friday, Feb. 24 at Golden West in the only home meet of the year against Santiago Canyon College, Orange Coast College and Fullerton College.

By Jose Garcia
Western Sun staff writer