BY JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com

HOISINGTON – It’s safe to say Hoisington High’s senior trio of Petersilie sisters have cornered the market on high school sports and beyond.

Lexus was followed by Hailey and Cassy in a miraculous journey that started Sept. 14, 2005 in Hays, Kansas. They bonded with their mom Shawna for nearly nine months before life began in ICU on a 21-day adventure.

“At 14 weeks, we found out there were three babies,” Shawna Petersilie said. “It was a shock until we learned there were triplets on my father’s side of the family. The girls are a natural blessing. Mike and I are big organizers and planners. We planned for three instead of one.”

The girls have all competed in shot put, discus and javelin during track season. In the past, the sisters have competed in cross country, volleyball and basketball. Lexus will play softball in the spring.

Senior year is winding down.

Cassy and Lexus compete at Monday’s Goodland 3-1A regional for Hoisington’s state-caliber golf team. Hailey competes with Lauren Higgins in doubles (10-11) in Friday’s Phillipsburg 3-1A regional for an improving Cardinal tennis program.

“The girls are always on the go,” Shawna said. “They do a sport anytime they can because their dad says if you’re not in a sport, you’ll work.”

They’re busy during the summer with their father’s car racing hobby while enjoying boating, wake boarding and surfing at Lake Wilson.

Mike Petersilie races in stock, modified and late model divisions at Hays, Salina, Wichita and out-of-state tracks.

“They’re not afraid to get dirty,” Shawna said. “The girls know their way around a race car. They grew up in the shop. They had walker seats with wheels. They would beat on things "helping” with their tools.”
“I love being at the races helping my father,” Hailey said.

Kassy enjoys working on the “pit crew” during the summer while surfing at Lake Wilson and Missouri lakes.

“I love getting my hands dirty getting dad’s cars going faster,” Lexus said. “Your goal is go out there and win.”

It was natural the girls attracted attention from an early age when Shawna would buy three identical outfits instead of one.

“People are curious, so the girls received a lot of attention,” Shawna said. “They dressed alike for several years. When they started school, they dressed different. They wore bracelets, but the teachers would struggle telling them apart.”

Hailey said going to school as triplets has always been fun.

“Our teachers have always confused us,” she said. “New teachers still get us mixed up.”

Lexus said, “It’s always fun in school. You’ll get called the wrong name and you won’t say anything. You roll with it.”

The girls have learned to enjoy their own identity, which is a challenge.

When asked, each girl earned a vote for best sense of humor, so rest assured, there’s been plenty of laughs along the way with Lexus winning the tiebreaker.

“Hailey is our organizer,” Shawna said. “She likes things to be done and done right. Once Kassy gets going, she loves to talk.”

The girls agree that enjoying two “best friends” is a lifetime dream.

“My sisters have always been there for me,” Kassy said. “It’s been fun.”

Kassy’s favorite sports is golf.

“I love being with my team and having fun together,” Kassy said. “I love playing golf. I enjoy the challenge of the game.”

Hailey said being a triplet has been enjoyable.

“It’s been amazing growing up with my sisters,” Hailey said. “The best part if they’ve been there when I need them the most.”

Hailey said her favorite sport is tennis.

“We have a lot of team players,” Hailey said. “They are hard-working girls, fun to be around.”

Lexus and Cassy enjoy having a friendly rivalry on the golf course.

“Of course, you’re always trying to beat your sister,” Lexus said. “My mom plays golf and I thought I’d try it. It became easy to enjoy the game. The best part is when your team qualifies for the state tournament. That’s always the best.”

Lexus treasures memories with her sisters.

“It’s been amazing having someone there for you all the time through the tough times,” Lexus said.

Kassy said her best advice came from her parents.

“They’ve always wanted us to try a sport – and do something,” she said.