Sister Act: Sydney Lawlor commits to UPEI looking to play alongside sister
For the second time this off-season, UPEI’s women’s basketball team is reuniting a pair of sisters.
Local standout Sydney Lawlor will join older sister Devon on the hardwood this fall, as the two will proudly represent the third generation of Lawlors to don the green and white.
The Lawlor name is synonymous with Panther basketball, and their history with both programs spans decades. Her grandfather, Ed, played for Saint Dunstan’s in the 1960s, while her parents, Peter and Stephanie, suited up in the 1990s.
“It’s an honour to be carrying on the family tradition. I’m proud of myself and my sister for competing and working hard to get to this level of basketball,” said Lawlor, who is enrolled in the Faculty of Science. “I always wanted to play for UPEI like my family before me, and I’m excited to follow in their footsteps.”
The 18-year-old from Millcove, PEI, is one of the province’s best high school prospects. She played a big part in guiding the Charlottetown Rural Raiders to three consecutive PEI School Athletic Association (PEISAA) senior AAA titles. In her final year with the squad, Lawlor was named the MVP for the Provincial Championship Tournament.
Even before high school, she was turning heads. Lawlor has been part of Basketball PEI's provincial program since junior high and has attended two under-15 Canada Basketball National Championships. She is currently playing on the PEI Women’s Canada Games Basketball Team, which is heading to the Canada Summer Games in August.
Panthers head coach Matt Gamblin said he is excited to welcome the hardworking guard to his team.
“Sydney has always had great instincts for slashing and finishing inside, and her outside game continues to develop,” he said. “I look forward to working with Sydney over her career as a Panther.”
Taking the next step and facing tougher competition is never easy, but Lawlor is grateful to share that experience with her sister and have someone to lean on when needed, even if there is a bit of friendly competitiveness between them.
“We've played together a few times, and let’s just say we are both extremely competitive, so being on the same team is probably best,” she said. “She never takes it easy on me and maybe goes twice as hard on me, but it has made me a better player, so I’m very thankful for that.”
