The University of Richmond’s Wright sisters began their running journey together in elementary school. Freshmen Kamiah and Kamyah joined a running club team in fifth grade. At McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, they joined the track and field team — Mya as a sprinter, Mia as a distance runner. Together, they swept the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter competitions, helping their team win a district title their senior year. Mya went on to place second in the 200-meter dash at states.

When it came time for college, there was a moment when they considered going in different directions.

“I wanted to separate so we’d have our own individual friends and individual lives, because we’re together 24/7,” Mya said. “But when we were deciding on a college, we both decided it would be better if we stuck together.”

Mia said, “I really wanted to be with her, so I could have family beside me and someone to go to when I needed something. So that it felt like home even though I was away.”

Mia was recruited first by Richmond as a mid-distance runner. Mya joined her on a visit, and soon after UR recruited her as well. Mia fell in love with the small campus and the track coaches, and Mya wanted to follow her sister.

At Richmond, they’re teammates, roommates, and even classmates in their women, gender and sexuality studies class.

They support each other as they adjust to collegiate-level competition, with more challenging workouts and longer distance runs.

“Even though the practices are hard, I love the environment I’m in,” Mya said. “It pushes me to have a goal for myself.”

The twins still find ways to have their own lives. They’ve developed their separate friendships, and while they both plan to study health care, Mia is considering the pre-med track, while Mya is interested in being a travel nurse.

At the end of the day, however, they both agree it’s nice to come home to a familiar face.

“I can share my happiness, talk about our experience at practice together, or just talk about our days,” Mya said. “I have someone to fall back on if I need anything. She knows me.”