MITCHELL HORUCY
Staff Writer
It’s rare to have a sibling play the same collegiate sport as you.
It’s even more rare for siblings to play for the same college, which is the case for Jordan and Jacob Niccola.
Both Jordan, a freshman social work major, and Jacob, a junior accounting major, have been playing soccer since the age of four.
Ever since their soccer journeys began, they’ve been competing with each other to help one another improve.
“When we were younger, we would play one-on-one, and sometimes it would get pretty rough obviously since we were kids,” Jordan said.
As they both grew older, they began to work with each other on a more technical level.
“Now we steer clear of that and work more on technical skills which, in the end, is more beneficial for the both of us,” said Jordan.
The Niccola siblings both made their varsity soccer teams in high school. Both mentioned competitiveness as a big reason to continue their journey.
When Jordan was looking at schools, Jacob was already in his second year at Fredonia as a member of the men’s soccer team. Jordan said this influenced her decision on where to go, as she had some familiarity with the area and school.
“I knew the environment at Fredonia more because of visiting him, so I knew by going there all the time that it was a good fit for me,” she said.
With Jacob being accustomed to the life of a student athlete, he was able to help Jordan with the adjustment. He spoke on how they both trained to help prepare for the season on the field.
Off the field, Jacob helped her with balancing soccer, school and her social life.
Their dad has also influenced both of their soccer careers. He’s helped train them since they were young, and he also coached both of them at some point.
When asked about a favorite memory playing soccer together, they were quick to mention when they both won the same tournament.
This tournament also happened to be their club’s home tournament, which made it even more special.
Their parents, Marc and Shannon Niccola, also love that they are at the same school, as one could imagine.
“They like that if either of us ever need something, we can always ask the other one for help,” said Jordan.
She said her parents also enjoy being able to drive down to Fredonia and see both of them.
Their parents also attended SUNY Fredonia.
Jacob, a midfielder for the men’s team, has had to sit behind some upperclassmen in his first two seasons, but has seen an increase in playing time so far this season.
He is yet to record his first point this season, but will look to do so as the team enters SUNYAC play midway through the season.
Jordan, also a midfielder but for the women’s team, has played several minutes in every game the Blue Devils have played. She also has yet to record her first collegiate point, but has six shots on goal through nine games.
The next women’s home game is slated for 6 p.m. on Oct. 17 against Penn State Behrend.
The men’s team starts a streak of five straight home games with a matchup against SUNYAC opponent Oswego at 6 p.m. on Oct. 4.
