The Pointers family is special and very different from year to year.  Student-athletes gain new teammates each year, but when your sister becomes your teammate as a Pointer, it is something very special.  This season, UWSP has three families of sisters that have become teammates as Pointers.
 
Senior women's hockey player Emma Berthiaume (South Haven, Minn./Hutchinson) was joined this season by her younger sister Laina Berthiaume.  The two grew up in a hockey family as most Minnesota kids do.  Once Laina got to UWSP this year as a freshman on the women's hockey team, the two became closer.
 
"When she left for college, we got a little bit closer," said Laina.  "This year, we've become even closer."  Emma agreed adding, "Growing up, we butted heads a lot. Now it's changed and we are getting closer as we get older." 
 
The two saw the same positives about UWSP that made the decision to be teammates here an easy choice. "She told me about the campus and said I would like it better than being in the Cities," continued Laina.  The team atmosphere, coaches, safety in the community and similar size to their hometown were reasons Emma said Laina would fit well as a Pointer.
 
"I think it's been good," Emma said about Laina being on campus. "Having family here has really helped, especially during these COVID times. I appreciate her being here."  Laina echoed the comfort of having her sister around this year.
 
"We were totally thinking she would go her own way," said Jenny and Larry Berthiaume, on Laina's decision to come to UWSP.  "Once she chose to go there, we were thrilled."  The Berthiaume parents are pleased with both daughters playing for the Pointers.  "We'd love it if Stevens Point was closer to home," they added referring to the four-hour distance from their hometown in Minnesota.
 
The women's basketball team also has sisters, Jessica Slowikand Katelyn Slowik (Elcho, Wis./Elcho).  Jessica is a junior and sister Katelyn joined the Pointers this season as a freshman.
 
Both the Slowik sisters have been coming to UWSP before their playing careers.  Coming to camps got the two familiar with UWSP.  Once Jessica was an athlete here, Katelyn would be around the team a lot visiting her sister and attending games.
 
"We are very close," commented Jessica. "It's been a bond that's been growing for years and years.  It reached it's peak in high school and I thought we were done playing together. Two years later, surprise, she's here!"
 
"I feel like we compliment each other," said Katelyn about her relationship with Jessica.  "It's like a built-in best friend."
 
"They were tough," said Katelyn referring to her final two years in high school once Jessica was at UWSP.  "My identity as a player definitely changed when she left." Katelyn continued with a level of enthusiasm looking forward to playing with Jessica in college. "I have not been able to play with her after I found more of myself on the court without relying on her. This is exciting for me."
 
For the Slowik sisters, the game of basketball was important to their bond growing up and both can't wait to be back on the court together.  "Basketball was a common thread for them," said Lee Ann Slowik referring to daughters Jessica and Katelyn.  "I am excited to see them at this next level together."
 
Sylviann Momont (Auburndale, Wis./Auburndale) is a senior on the UWSP track and field team and a current graduate student. Her younger sister, Amanda Momont, joined the team last year to compete with Sylviann.  Like the Slowik sisters, the Momonts were also familiar with UWSP and the track program through camps.
 
"I have always looked up to my sister," said Amanda, who joined the track and field team as a sophomore. "She has always been there to push me and I respect her."
 
The Momont sisters are roommates which has helped to grow the bond outside of competition.  That camaraderie helps during practice and competition as well.  "My family has always been my number one support for sports," said Sylviann.  "Seeing her there to cheer me on is awesome, but being able to cheer her on and give her the same support she has given me. I think she appreciates it the same way I appreciate having my family there."
 
"I think it's grown as we've gotten older," continued Amanda.  "So right now is probably the best time to stay close and have these awesome moments, especially in track and field."
 
The Momont's parents agreed. "The coaches give us a family atmosphere for the track team," said Jenny and Joe Momont.  "We get to go to a track meet and watch both of them. What more could a parent ask for?"
 
When it comes to sisters on the same team at UWSP, Sylviann summed it best. "She's more than just a sister, she has become one of my best friends."