NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Hannah McLaughlin was home enjoying a brief summer sojourn a few years ago when her younger sister called to ask an urgent favor. Mary Beth McLaughlin had ordered a package to be delivered to the family’s house that afternoon. A frequent enough online shopper that she feared incurring her parents’ ire if they saw yet another delivery, Mary Beth alerted her sister that the item would come—addressed to Hannah.
That’s the thing about a good back line. They know how to communicate. And how to cover for each other when a mistake risks disastrous ramifications. Or at least another lecture.
These days, senior Hannah, a First-Team All-SEC honoree, and sophomore Mary Beth, who earned a place on the SEC All-Freshman team in her debut campaign, are cornerstones of a defense that will feature several new faces in 2025. Along with goalkeeper and postseason hero Sara Wojdelko, they seek to uphold a tradition of stinginess that has propelled Vanderbilt to SEC championships and, for the first time a year ago, the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. As sisters, the McLaughlins bring a lifetime of experience to the challenge.
SEC opponents can do all the video analysis they want this season. When it comes to the successful partnership at the heart of Vanderbilt’s back line, the tape only scratches the surface. While each is strong, athletic and fearless in her own right, the McLaughlins are better together. Better because an older sister inspired a younger sister to compete. Better because a younger sister decided that following in her older sister’s footsteps still left space to blaze her own trail. Better because few forces are as strong as the bonds of sisterhood. They are a blueprint for how to play not only with but for those around you.
“Being able to play with your sister is super special, and I don’t ever want to lose sight of that,” Hannah said. “It would be amazing if we potentially get to play together in a few years [in professional soccer], but this season right now could be the last time we have that chance. Looking back on it, I don’t want to forget how special it is to be able to play next to Mary Beth because she’s my best friend, she’s my sister. She’s awesome.”
Two Roads Lead to Nashville
It’s no surprise that Hannah and Mary Beth ended up playing something. The McLaughlins, including an older brother and younger sister, are an athletic and competitive bunch. Both parents played college sports,…