Family Hoops Ties

Basketball has always been more than just a game for Georgia Gwinnett College freshmen women’s basketball players Christal and Christen Collins. It’s been about family, competition, and a connection that brings success for themselves, their teammates and their teams. 

Growing up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the cousins shared years of early mornings in the gym, long road trips travelling to tournaments, and family dinners filled with basketball discussions. 

That bond now takes the spotlight on the hardwood as members of the Grizzlies’ initial basketball team. 

Christal and Christen may play the same guard position, but they complement each other in a way that makes them more than just teammates. 

Christal is right-handed and always seems to be calm under pressure on the court. She is recognized for her quick first step and for setting the team's tone on both offense and defense.

Christen, who is left-handed and fearless when driving to the basket, thrives on aggression and energy. 

Together, they cover the court in a way that makes it hard for defenses to predict their moves. 

Christal laughs at the thought, noting that their left-right combination keeps the game fun while constantly challenging for their opponents.

Their chemistry didn’t happen by accident. It was built playing in gyms across Tennessee and Florida, where family influence and competition shaped every move. The cousins come from basketball-loving families, with fathers who have backgrounds in elite hoops training and coaching. 

They weren’t just cousins growing up; they were competitors. 

“We’ve been pushing each other since we were kids,” remarks Christal. “Whether it was seeing who between us could hit the most free throws or grab the last rebound in a game, we’ve always made each other better.” 

Christen agrees, adding that having her cousin at GGC brings a piece of home to every practice and game. 

“It’s comforting, but it’s also motivating. I can’t slack off when my cousin’s watching because she will call me out quickly,” Christen states.

Head Coach Tory Wooley sees the duo’s family dynamic as a significant asset to the Grizzlies and the GGC program. 

“They’re freshmen by (eligibility) classification, but not by the way they carry themselves,” Wooley says. “They listen, they compete, and they bring energy every day. That’s what builds great players and leaders.” 

The coach adds that the duo’s shared family ties, history and unspoken understanding of basketball contribute to a level of on-court intelligence and leadership that is rarely seen by first-year players.

At practice, their styles shine in complementary ways. Christen’s voice fills the gym as she calls out defensive rotations and cheers for her teammates, showing her natural leadership skills. Meanwhile, Christal moves around the basketball court with relentless energy, cutting, pressing and diving for loose balls. 

One is calm and steady; the other is fiery and unpredictable. Together, they create a rhythm that lifts the entire team. 

Adjusting to playing college basketball hasn’t come without challenges. The pace is faster, the physicality is more intense, and expectations are higher. But the cousins lean on each other in ways that go beyond statistics and scores. 

“Some days, it’s hard,” Christen admits. “There are moments when you doubt yourself or feel tired, but when I see Christal giving it her all, it reminds me why we’re here.” 

For Christal, the adjustment has been similar, as she focuses on refining her court vision and decision-making. 

“I’ve been working on pace, passing and reading the defense,” she assessed before the team’s season opener on Thursday, October 23. “College is different from high school, but I feel ready.”

The cousins’ bond also provides emotional support. They have supported one another as they moved onto a new campus, balanced college classes and integrated into a new team.

“Having someone who knows you inside and out makes a huge difference,” Christal remarks. “If I’m having a rough day, I don’t have to go to another teammate, I can go to Christen. She understands what I’m going through.” 

Christen agrees and adds, “We have a lot in common. We know when the other is upset or needs personal encouragement. It’s a support system you can’t replace.”

The season ahead is full of potential. Georgia Gwinnett women’s basketball hopes to make a substantial impact in the Continental Athletic Conference and nationally among NAIA teams, and the Collins cousins are ready to contribute at every turn. 

Christen adds, “Leadership doesn’t come from age; it comes from effort. We may be freshmen, but that doesn’t mean we can’t lead.”

Wooley emphasizes that what the cousins bring goes beyond skill on the court. 

“They’ve got that spark,” the coach remarks. “You can feel it in the locker room and during games. They inspire others to believe, and that’s special. Talent gets you far, but heart keeps you there. And they’ve both got a lot of heart.” 

This season, GGC fans will see two young women that are pursuing a shared dream, built on years of practice, discipline and family influence. Their story serves as a reminder that basketball is more than points, rebounds, or wins; it’s about connection, growth and heart.

“When I see her on the court, it reminds me how far we’ve come,” Christal says. “We used to dream about playing college basketball together. Now it’s real.”

Christen smiles at that, stating, “It’s the best feeling in the world. We get to live our dream together.”

Two cousins, two guards and two hands – one right, one left – but one shared dream: leaving their mark on Georgia Gwinnett College women’s basketball. Their story is just beginning, but it embodies everything the Grizzlies hope to stand for: family, determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence.