Alex and Kristina Fultz could have their pick of the litter when it came to choosing a school to continue both their academic and athletic careers next year, but their tight-knit bond was a key factor in the pair settling on Wittenberg University.
“There were several schools going after both of them, but it was a preference to go together,” Tami Fultz, Alex and Kristina’s mother said.
Alex and Kristina were both standout athletes while they were at Glen Este High School, Alex in basketball and Kristina in volleyball.
Alex was a three-time varsity letter earner during his time with the Trojans and Kristina was a started on the volleyball team since her freshman year.
Both have piled up the accolades during their high school careers including both being named to the First Team All-Fort Ancient Valley Conference during their senior seasons.
Alex led the FAVC East in scoring this past winter with 18.8 points per game while Kristina had 162 kills in 78 games during her senior year.
As burgeoning stars, colleges came calling the Fultz’s hoping that one of the pair would choose their school to compete for and study at.
For Wittenberg, they got a sweet deal.
“Wittenberg is only an hour and a half away, so it’s far enough that I’ll get that feel of a college experience, but if I want to come home for a weekend, it’s still pretty close,” Alex said. “And I’ll have my sister with me, so that’s a plus.”
The Fultz’s weren’t necessarily a package deal, it just so happened to turn out that way.
“I wouldn’t say that (Kristina going to Wittenberg) affected my decision, but it’s always a plus to have someone you know there,” Alex said.
Tami agreed with her son, saying that even though they are very close, they are also independent of one another.
“They were very close when they were younger obviously as twins,” Tami said. “And as they have matured they’ve stayed close.”
Alex said that the pair haven’t been apart in 18 years for more than a week at a time, so going to same school will give both of them some level of comfort. Also, getting the athletic scholarship is something Alex sees a major benefit.
“It’s good because it helps out a lot with the financial situation, so being able to get a scholarship will help out a lot,” he said. “Plus it’s cool to say that you got an athletic scholarship to college.”
For Tami, seeing two of her kids receive athletic scholarships was a proud moment. “I couldn’t be more proud of what both of them have accomplished, both athletically and academically,” she said. “I’m more than proud of both of them. Words can’t even describe.”
When the Fultz’s arrive on campus next year in Springfield, Ohio, Alex will be studying business and sports management while Kristina will be majoring in physical therapy.