Rosary’s Abby Cibulskis has discovered that soccer is more than just a game to her.
It’s more than just an athletic pursuit.
Cibulskis, a senior who plays central defender for the Royals, did take some time coming to that realization. But upon turning the corner, she also found out different things about herself.
“I used to be very shy when I was younger,” Cibulskis said. “But over the years, I’ve gotten more confident and developed more of a leadership role.
“Now this season, I’m trying to keep a positive attitude because we have a lot of people who are just learning how to play.”
The Royals were expected to play Monday in the season opener against East Aurora, but the game was postponed due to the cold weather.
Cibulskis, a four-year starter and only returnee this spring for the Royals, has taken on a greater role. With that comes added responsibility for establishing a positive team culture.
Her family background is the driving force in her quest for excellence. Her twin brother, Nick, who is older by 30 minutes, is an offensive and defensive lineman in football for Marmion.
Abby’s older sisters, Megan and Madison, are juniors in college. They also are fraternal twins.
That’s one family, two sets of twins.
A fifth family member is Lauren Hawkins, who is a biological cousin but has lived with the Cibulskis most of her life. They regard her as a sibling.
“Our dad coached the soccer team when we were younger, and my brother and I were on the same team,” Abby said. “(Nick) continued to play until high school, and by then, they split up the teams by gender.”
Playing the same sport as her brother only intensified the level of competitiveness and a natural desire to be perceived individually.
“We are both very similar in the fact that we’re extremely competitive,” Nick said. “But we were different because Abby tends to be more outgoing. She is a hardworking and creative individual, and she applies both to her love of soccer.”
Abby also had the advantage at the start of her Rosary playing career of being on the same field with Megan, who was a senior forward that season. The sisters have been shaped by their DNA.
“Being a twin seems to lead to a form of innate competition, intended or not,” Megan said. “Madison and I were always unconsciously competing for things.
“When Nick and Abby played soccer together, they each gave everything they had to avoid being overshadowed by the other, which is where I think her competitive nature first originated.”
Abby also is a voracious reader who loves serious fiction and classic literature. She’s almost certain to always have a book in her hand when she isn’t playing the game.
She also loves music.
Soccer is another creative outlet. On defense, she sees the game from multiple perspectives in back. The 5-foot-7 Cibulskis meshes speed and power with an assertive, aggressive style.
“I love playing the position because you have power in the back,” Abby said. “You get to lead back there. I love finding ways to connect the ball to other people and build up a nice play.
“I get a lot more excited assisting or helping other people score.”
During their one season of playing together, Megan watched her younger sister come of age.
“I think that Abby became competitive when she truly developed a love for soccer and realized it was something she was good at,” Megan said. “Her style of play has changed now that she has the freedom to focus on her own play instead of Nick or myself.
“She has shifted into a much more accurate, controlled and precise player who knows how to be patient and pick her moment.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
