Basketball runs in the family for Cal State LA twins from Fair Oaks

For Rachael and Rebeccah DiRegolo, basketball is a family affair.

The twins learned the game from their father, a former basketball player and coach. They grew up on the court with each other and became star players at Bella Vista High School in Fair Oaks, about 18 miles northwest of Sacramento.

Rachael and Rebeccah are now teammates on Cal State LA’s women's basketball team and already making an impact. Rachael is starting for the Golden Eagles and is coming off a strong showing with 11 points and seven rebounds in a recent win over Concordia-Irvine. Rebeccah is also racking up playing time and is providing valuable depth off the bench.

The twins are looking forward to being coached by basketball great Cheryl Miller, who is leading the team in her first coaching season at Cal State LA.

“I’m really excited to be coached by her because of all her accomplishments,” Rebeccah said. “It is a great learning experience.”

The 6-foot 2-inch Rachael and 6-foot 3-inch Rebeccah both played center in high school, with Rachael sometimes playing power forward. During their varsity years at Bella Vista, Rachael averaged 11.6 points per game and 7.5 rebounds, and Rebeccah averaged 13.2 points per game with 7.2 rebounds. They were selected to play on the Girls North Team in the 2016 Optimist Basketball All-Star Games.

Outstanding on the court and in the classroom, the twins are attending Cal State LA with Athletics Department and Honors College scholarships.

Rachael and Rebeccah were drawn to Cal State LA by its welcoming energy and community feel. They were also impressed with the Athletics Department and its emphasis on academic excellence.

The sisters say they are looking forward to playing with their Golden Eagle teammates and working together as a team to accomplish the same goal.

As passionate as they are about basketball, the twins are just as committed to their dream careers. Rebeccah wants to be a registered nurse so she can help others. Rachael has decided to pursue an engineering degree, but adds that she is undecided on whether she wants to work in mechanical or material engineering.

Their academic and athletic experiences have taught them valuable lessons that they take to heart.

“Procrastination really stresses me out, and it’s given me a strong work ethic. When I get really stressed, I have to [remember] if I keep going, I’ll be alright,” Rachael says.

Rebeccah says she’s learned to prioritize her time among basketball practice, academics and spending time with her friends.

No success story is without its trials. Being an athlete and earning good grades can be difficult at times, and the twins have dug deep to find determination and tenacity to push forward and not let the pressures of academic and athletic success get the best of them. They credit their supportive network of teammates, family, and friends with helping them succeed in the classroom and on the court.

“You have to slow down and look forward to the overall picture to put things in perspective,” Rebeccah says. “The small things aren’t the end of the world.”

Photo: Rebeccah (left) and Rachael DiRegolo are making an impact on the Golden Eagles women's basketball team. (Credit: J. Emilio Flores/Cal State LA)