NATCHEZ — Madalyn Falkenheiner is 15 seconds older than her twin brother, Grant Falkenheiner.

As sophomores at Trinity Episcopal Day School, Madalyn and Grant are borderline inseparable. Both honorary students in their own right, Grant and Madalyn push one another.

“I wouldn’t be sitting right here if it wasn’t for him because he helps me study,” Madalyn said. “If there’s ever a test, he’ll say, ‘Let’s study together.’”

Most recently, that encouragement has translated over to the tennis court. As a member of Trinity’s tennis team, Grant helped motivate Madalyn to participate, as well, and it’s been something she wouldn’t regret being a part of. Coming off of a girls tennis championship, Madalyn watched on as an extra in her first year of playing since she stopped playing years ago.

“It’s exciting to see all of the girls win,” Falkenheiner said. “It’s nice to see everyone so happy, and I hope next year, I will get better and get to that level where I can compete on that stage.”

In order to ensure that, Madalyn has been playing with Grant at Duncan Park and Beau Pre Country Club frequently, trying to improve. While Madalyn stopped playing, Grant continued and played on the No. 1 boys doubles with Alex Miller this past season.

“He’s really good at tennis,” Madalyn said. “He’s the reason why I wanted to get back into it. We’ve always been real close.”

While the siblings are a lot alike, they’re also a lot different in the classroom, algebra teacher Christina Bauerle said.

“He is moving around all of the time, and she’s just there being quiet, listening,” Bauerle said. “She’s kind of the one who keeps him straight. I guess, being the girl, she straightens him out sometimes. She’s a sweet kid, and a great student.”

Madalyn boasts a 3.7 GPA with her favorite subjects being English and history. She takes after her mother Lisa, while Grant takes more after father Lee, who majored in biology and runs a dental practice in Vidalia.

Being a sophomore, she’s unsure of what career path she will explore. Currently, she just wants to continue enjoying high school and getting better on the court with her brother beside her.