In an unprecedented family rivalry, the Muhl sisters, Nika and Hana, are gearing up for their first-ever on-court faceoff in Connecticut. Originally from Zagreb, Croatia, the siblings have journeyed from their home country to become notable figures in American college basketball. Nika, a 22-year-old point guard at the University of Connecticut (UConn), and her younger sister Hana, a guard at Ball State University, are preparing for a game that transcends the typical sports narrative.
Growing up, Nika and Hana shared a typical sibling relationship, marked by frequent arguments and a competitive spirit. However, their move to the United States, over 800 miles apart, has paradoxically brought them closer. This bond is not only evident in their daily communications via text and video chat but also symbolized through ma8tching tattoos – each sister bearing the other’s first initial behind their left ear. Nika takes this a step further with another tattoo dedicated to Hana, nicknamed “Baby M.”
Their journey to this momentous game is rooted in their shared love for basketball, fostered since their days playing together on club and national teams in Croatia. Despite their contrasting personalities – Nika being more emotional and assertive, and Hana being more organized and analytical – both have developed a deep passion for the game.
Their parents, Darko and Roberta Muhl, are flying in from Croatia to witness this historic event. Darko, who finds it nerve-wracking to watch his daughters’ games, will be facing his anxiety head-on from the stands. He and his wife initially steered their daughters toward other sports, fearing the risks associated with basketball. Yet, it was the allure of the game and Nika’s influence that ultimately led Hana to follow in her sister’s footsteps.
As the sisters prepare to face each other as opponents, UConn coach Geno Auriemma reflects on the rarity of such a matchup. He recalls attempting to organize a similar game for former Husky star Katie Lou Samuelson against her sister Karlie and Stanford, which unfortunately did not materialize. The Muhl sisters’ game, largely facilitated by Nika’s initiative, stands out as a unique event in his coaching career.
While the game promises to reignite their childhood competitiveness, it also represents the culmination of their individual journeys in basketball. Both sisters, having adjusted to life and the demanding nature of Division I college basketball in the U.S., are ready to showcase their skills and determination on the court. The game is expected to be intense, with both Nika and Hana prepared for a bout of friendly yet fierce trash talk – a throwback to their childhood days in the driveway back in Croatia.
This Wednesday’s game is more than just a regular college basketball match; it’s a testament to the Muhl sisters’ journey from Croatia to Connecticut, their growth as athletes and individuals, and the unbreakable bond they share, both on and off the court.
