For most siblings, competition is inevitable but for twin brothers Noah and Landon Mauriell, it’s become a way of life.

The 17-year-old twins have spent nearly every stage of life pushing each other to be better on the cross-country course, soccer field, tennis court and in the classroom, where they strive for the top spot in their senior class at First Academy-Leesburg. 

Their athletic journey began when they were just 3 years old, kicking a soccer ball around together. They’re still teammates nearly 15 years later, but now they’re also leaders on campus, standout student/athletes among the top academic performers in their graduating class.

“We’ve always played together,” Landon says. 

That familiarity produces something special whenever they suit up to represent their school in athletics.

“It’s kind of nice we know each other really well,” Noah says. “Especially with team sports like soccer, we’ve been playing together so long, so we kind of just know what the other one is going to do.”

Soccer is their longest-running sport, but cross country produced one of their proudest moments.

The twins helped lead First Academy’s boys cross country team to its first-ever regional qualification in school history. Noah had previously qualified individually, but advancing alongside his teammates made the accomplishment even more meaningful.

“It was really cool because my team came as well with me,” Noah says.

Both brothers consistently finish as the team’s top two runners in a friendly rivalry that pushes each of them forward.

“It’s always competition between us,” Landon says.

That competitive drive extends far beyond athletics.

The brothers completed more than a year of college coursework through dual enrollment and are competing alongside one other First Academy student for valedictorian honors. 

Their mother, Tiffany, says the motivation has always come from within.

“I’ve never had to say, ‘Do your homework,’” she says. “They just have that motivation to do well in whatever they do.”

Both students have embraced leadership opportunities outside the classroom and athletic venues. 

Noah serves as Student Body President, Senior Class Vice President and is a member of both the National Honor Society and National Hispanic Honor Society.

Landon is Senior Class Treasurer and secretary of the Key Club, participates in Student Government and is a member of the National Honor Society and National Hispanic Honor Society.

Their parents have encouraged their sons to pursue excellence while still enjoying high school, which allows them to balance academics, athletics and family life.

The Mauriells enjoy traveling together, having visited 13 countries and 36 states, experiences they say broadened their perspectives beyond the classroom.

Both earned the Florida Academic Scholars Award, scholarships that will cover college tuition and fees as they study in the medical field at the University of Central Florida.

While they aren’t certain they’ll play collegiate athletics, they know the discipline they’ve developed through sports will follow them wherever they go.

The twins credit First Academy’s coaches and teachers for helping shape their experience, especially Athletic Director Don Birdsall and Head Soccer Coach Scott VanDyken.

“I don’t have a bad thing to say about any of them,” Noah says. “They’re really great teachers and mentors.”

Their father, Jason, says their greatest accomplishment isn’t related to trophies, records or class rankings.

And although they’ve spent a lifetime challenging each other to reach new heights, the greatest measure of their success will always be the character they display long after the final race is run and the last game played.

“Their competitiveness, discipline and desire to excel are certainly a big part of their story, but Tiffany and I also feel strongly that their faith has been the foundation underneath all of it,” Jason says. “They have been raised to understand that their identity and worth are rooted in Christ and that their gifts and abilities are meant to be used to honor Him and serve others.” 

LEADERS ON AND OFF THE COURT

Noah serves as Student Body President, Senior Class Vice President and is a member of both the National Honor Society and National Hispanic Honor Society. Landon serves as Senior Class Treasurer, secretary of the Key Club, participates in Student Government and is a member of the National Honor Society and National Hispanic Honor Society.

Photos: Cindy Peterson