All in the family

Taylor Richards and Jessica Chick have a lot in common.

They are both sophomores, they were roommates their freshman year, they are both student athletes and they both have older brothers at USU that are also athletes.

While Taylor plays basketball and Jessica plays volleyball, respectively, their siblings, Tarrell Richards and John Chick, are both football players.

“[Taylor and I] always talked about how similar our situations are,” Jessica said. “We both came here because our brothers are here.”

Taylor, who is now living with Tarrell and teammate Jenny Gross, said her older brother is always watching out for her.

“You know how big brothers are,” she said. “He watches out for me a lot. He always has my safety and my best interests in mind.”

Tarrell admitted that he has been protective of Taylor.

“I try not to be,” he said. “I have confidence in her, but I still worry.”

Taylor said she still enjoys living with her brother.

“It’s easy not to be homesick,” she said. “If anything, we’re closer together now. We understand each other and can go through things together.”

Tarrell said, while he enjoys being around his sister all the time, there are certain restrictions to living with her.

“You have to watch who you bring home,” he said. “I don’t bring girls home and she doesn’t bring guys home.”

Taylor said much of her success as a basketball player is because of Tarrell.

“He’s why I became a good player,” she said. “He is an amazing basketball player.

“We would play one-on-one until dark all the time and I’d always come in crying.”

She said Tarrell is always willing to give her more advice.

“He’s probably my next-toughest critic besides me,” she said. “He pushes me hard, but not in a bad way.”

John, who is from Gillette, Wyo., and was just married a couple weeks ago, said it is nice to have a family member close by.

“It’s nice to have someone always there to help me out and to hang out with,” he said. “She’s an awesome sister. We’re best friends.”

Although John doesn’t play volleyball, he said he tries to support his sister any way he can.

“I like watching her,” he said. “I like volleyball, but I’m more interested in watching her play.”

Jessica said John has never been a very vocal person.

“He speaks through his actions,” she said. “He absolutely dedicates himself. I don’t think [the football team] could be what they are without him.”

Jessica also said she and her brother are opposites.

“He’s such a grown-up,” she said. “He’s the responsible one that has to keep his sister in line.

“I have middle-child syndrome, but we still get along great.”

Taylor said she is excited that Tarrell is getting some playing time this season.

“He’s playing and making an impact,” she said. “It would be hard if I was doing good and he wasn’t.”

Taylor said she sees more than a football player in her brother.

“I see my best friend,” she said. “I see someone I can goof off with. I love him and appreciate him a lot.”

-bhhinton@cc.usu.edu