Bayport Twins Chase Distinct Lacrosse Dreams After Shared Start

At just five years old, Cassidy Weeks faced a daunting start to her lacrosse journey when a ball struck her head during her first practice.

“I was like, ‘I never want to play again,’” the now 26-year-old Bayport native recalled.

It was her twin sister, Courtney, who encouraged her to persevere, leading both to remarkable careers in the sport.

Today, Cassidy is a prominent member of Team USA, with her sights set on the 2028 Olympics, while Courtney has made her mark as a high school state champion coach in Sayville.

The sisters' synergy on the field was evident during their time at Boston College, where they clinched a national title together in 2021.

“We complement each other very well. We don’t overpower each other,” said Courtney, who is older by four minutes.

Cassidy highlighted Courtney's exceptional shooting skills, while Courtney praised Cassidy's relentless speed and endurance.

“It’s something different from others, especially since we play the same position,” added Cassidy, now playing professionally with the Boston Guard of the Women’s Lacrosse League.

“We were also fighting each other for that same spot—I think that helped push us to that next level.”

Their journey began in earnest when they were promoted from junior varsity to varsity at  Bayport-Blue Point High School as eighth graders, quickly making a name for themselves.

College recruitment became a package deal, with top NCAA programs eager to have the competitive duo on their rosters.

“We pushed each other to be better pretty much every day,” Courtney said.

“Whether it was doing wall ball, seeing who would drop it first, little things like that.”

Academically, the twins excelled as neuroscience majors, aspiring to become physician’s assistants, and maintained near-perfect grades.

“That’s another thing that we would just always fight each other over,” said Cassidy. “Who got the better test grade? Who’s going to show mom and dad first?”

Cassidy faced a significant setback in her first year at Boston College, tearing her ACL during the initial practice in 2019.

“First days,” she joked.

Head coach Acacia Walker-Weinstein provided unwavering support, allowing Cassidy “24 hours to cry” before encouraging her to view the injury as a temporary obstacle.

“She said, ‘After today, you are not going to cry at all,’” recalled Cassidy, who now shares this story to inspire athletes undergoing rehabilitation at her physical therapy job in Islip.

“You’re going to kick this in the butt. You are going to work as hard as you can to get back on that field.’”

True to her coach's words, Cassidy scored against Syracuse in the 2021 national title game, while Courtney contributed two goals in their 16-10 victory.

“Being on the field and turning to each other and being like ‘We did it—we did what we dreamed about for years,’” Courtney recalled. “I think that will be the No. 1 highlight that I’ll ever have with my sister, ever.”

After college, Courtney transitioned to coaching in 2024, joining Sayville as a varsity assistant.

In her inaugural season, she led the Golden Flashes to their first New York State title, mirroring her success at Boston College.

“Being able to bring in some more of those technical skills, and being close in age to the girls, to be able to connect with them on a different level,” she said, “was something that really helped us get to that championship level.”

Meanwhile, Cassidy, who has idolized Mia Hamm since childhood, is focused on the upcoming 2028 Olympics, where lacrosse will make its debut in the Los Angeles Summer Games.

“I think that is the greatest opportunity ever,” said Cassidy, who won the World Games with the U.S. last summer.

Team USA secured a gold medal by defeating archrival Canada 16-8, and Cassidy anticipates a potential rematch in Los Angeles.

“We’re more, I think, physical, more team-oriented, and then they’re very technical—they know where each other are on the field,” she said.

“I think seeing them play, and us getting to play them, is also making us better.”

Although there’s a long road ahead, Cassidy is excited about the prospect of being part of “something bigger than ourselves to strive for” and the chance to win gold on home turf.

“It would be the craziest experience in my life,” she said.