Trevia and Tynelle Gumbs signed off on Letters of Intent with the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando last week Tuesday November 15, 2016. Photo: Provided

While furthering their athletic career, Trevia will pursue a Mass Communications Degree while Tynelle will pursue a Psychology Degree with a minor in Coaching at UCF beginning January 2017.

Head coach of UCF Jeannette Bolden said “I’m extremely pleased with the efforts of our staff in recruiting eight young ladies” of which include twin sisters Trevia and Tynelle Gumbs. Bolden further stated: “The three joining us in January will have an immediate impact on our team. This is one of the best, balanced recruiting classes at UCF.”

‘Great’ opportunity

In telephone interviews with BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) Public Relations Officer (PRO) Cleave M. Farrington, both sisters expressed how happy and excited they are to be attending UCF. “We feel it’s a great opportunity, a great family atmosphere and much closer to home and an institution that will focus on them individually.”

Tynelle will continue to focus on her field events in the hammer and discus throws outdoors and the weight throw indoors while Trevia will focus on the discus, shot put and weight throw and possibly the hammer. “They expect their distances in the throws will improve significantly at the University of Central Florida,” Mr Farrington said.

Coach Angeleta Bernard and Omar Jones lamented how proud they are of Trevia and Tynelle and wish them much success at UCF as they look forward to great things from them. “They have the eagerness, drive and motivation to do very well, with the extra work it will surely pay off,” the coaching duo said.

Proud president

BVIAA President Steve Augustine mentioned how proud he is of the twin sisters. “It’s a great accomplishment for the twins joining UCF – a Division 1 college,” he said. Now that they are in a better environment moving from a junior college to a d1 college it can only be expected that the intensity of the training and the exposure that they will get would be greater than what they had in Central Arizona.

Lynelle Gumbs, the biggest fan of her twin daughters stated “it is exciting and it has been a long journey and thank God for giving them the opportunity. We their family, are so happy that they are sticking together.”

Both twins expressed gratitude to their foundational coaches Mrs Angeleta Bernard and Mr Omar Jones of the Top Notch Track Club, coach Eric Matthias and to their coach Tony Dougherty of Central Arizona Junior College for the significant roles they have played in their development.

The twins also expressed appreciation to everyone in the VI Community for supporting them in one way or the other on their long journey. They are excited to compete in the NCAA and will show everyone what they are made of as they continue to make the territory proud.