For the Defendini twins, winning is practically a family tradition.
Jackson and Lily arrived just 60 seconds apart, but the senior twins at Farmingdale High School have developed distinct leadership roles. Each serves as captain of a different school team, making them an unusually accomplished sibling duo.
Lily guides Farmingdale’s swimming and diving program, while Jackson has been a varsity lacrosse player since his freshman year. This fall, the lacrosse midfielder added another challenge by joining the varsity football team for the first time.
Their closeness has extended well beyond athletics. In most school years, the twins shared eight of the nine class periods, Lily, a standout sprinter, told The Post.
“I think being around each other so much allowed us to constantly push one another,” said Lily, who is the older twin.
Now 17, Jackson and Lily are also accomplished skiers. Nearly every winter weekend, they hit the slopes with their 82-year-old grandfather, Charles, continuing a bond that has kept them supporting each other since birth.
As they began focusing on one or two sports in middle school, the twins leaned on their individual strengths. They encouraged each other, offered practical help and found new ways to improve together.
Lily remembers Jackson taking that support especially seriously in the gym. She was not someone who worked out regularly, so he would lead her to the exercise equipment in the basement and keep her lifting until she joked she might not have been able to pick up a pencil.
Jackson, who plays edge rusher and tight end in football, considers Lily his academic coach. She regularly helps him prepare for demanding Advanced Placement classes.
“There are books spread all over the place,” Jackson said, describing evenings spent studying, finishing homework and eating dinner at the same time.
Their relationship has not been without its difficult moments. Still, the twins’ deep understanding of each other has helped them navigate the growing pains that came with adolescence.
MORE STORY: Multiple People Injured in Shooting at Bend, Oregon, Elementary School; Suspect Fatally Shot, Police Say
Lily said Jackson was still finding his way when he entered high school. “With all the love in the world, you were a little bit of a mess,” she told him. Watching him develop into the leader and source of motivation he is today, she added, has been one of the great honors of her life.
From “C” to sea
Their discipline and commitment have also shaped ambitious plans beyond Farmingdale. After graduating in the school’s green and white in 2027, Jackson hopes to apply to the United States Naval Academy, an idea sparked by a neighbor who became a Midshipman.
“I really want to give back,” Jackson said. “I feel like the skills I’ve gained throughout high school can help me do that.”
He hopes to serve for at least five additional years after the academy, returning what he believes the country has given him during his first 17 years. “I’m very grateful for everything that has happened in my life,” he said.
Lily is also looking toward a future that keeps her connected to her sport. Like her brother, she plans to continue competing in college and remain in the pool.
“I want to swim no matter what,” she said. Whether the opportunity comes at the Division I, Division II or Division III level, Lily intends to continue. If necessary, she would join a club team instead. “I just love swimming and the community it has given me.”
Two for two
Before they turn the page on high school, the Defendini twins have one more season of goals to chase. Lily is aiming for some of the fastest times of her career after recording a 59.37-second 100-yard freestyle, while Jackson hopes to help Farmingdale’s 4-1 football team capture a Nassau County championship.
Jackson’s decision to play football as a senior was also personal: He wanted to share longtime coach Buddy Krumenacher’s final season.
“I had heard the stories from my freshman year and growing up,” Jackson said. “I knew I had to give it at least one year with him. It’s been an amazing year.”
Jackson and Lily have made peace with the likelihood that their lives will go in very different directions next year, but they feel branching out is the right thing to do.
“I think it’s also important that we each go off on our own journey too. And then, obviously, when it’s all done … and we’re both settled, we’re both definitely going to come back to each other and be there for each other,” Jackson added.
“It’s really just great having a twin sister in high school. I wish everyone could have it. It’s a blessing.”
