STONY BROOK, N.Y. – Sisters represent a unique type of teammate that Stony Brook seems to have an abundance of; those who were playing together long before they became Seawolves. For Gianna and Jordan Forte and Julia and Alexandra Fusco, it really wasn't a surprise when each found their respective paths leading to Stony Brook University.
 
Growing up on Long Island, lacrosse is a mainstay, and the Fusco and Forte sisters embraced their love for the game at a young age.
 
"I started playing lacrosse when I was about three," noted Gianna. "I would always tag along to [Jordan's] practices and eventually started playing with her team, which our mom coached. I was immediately drawn to the sport from always being around it. By sixth grade, I knew for sure that I wanted to play collegiately."
 
At Huntington High School, Jordan and Gianna both competed in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse and every moment they spent playing together was "incredibly special".
 
 
"When Gianna made the varsity lacrosse team in high school, I was so excited to have the chance to play alongside her once more then when we lost in the playoffs during my senior year, I was uncertain as to if we would ever take the field together again," mentioned Jordan.
 
During Gianna's college recruiting process, Jordan was a freshman at Stony Brook and when Gianna visited, there was a strong possibility that she might become a part of the Seawolves squad. "The thought filled me with excitement, and I didn't want to pressure [Gianna], but selfishly I wanted her to come here. When she decided to commit to Stony Brook, it was almost surreal and I couldn't wait to create even more unforgettable memories on the field together," Jordan said.
 
Gianna's decision to come to Stony Brook was based on the opportunity to compete at a high-level university and receive a great education that would set her up for future success. "Having the chance to play with Jordan again was just a bonus to all the amazing factors that went into my decision," stated Gianna.
 
Last season, the Fortes took to the field for their first season at Stony Brook together, playing in eight matches total.
 
"When Gianna first stepped on the field [against Dartmouth], I remember being so happy for her and having the chills," said Jordan. "There is no feeling like stepping on the field at LaValle for the first time. It was a special moment for both of us and our family. It was definitely a proud big sister moment!"

Combined, the Fortes recorded 14 ground balls, four draw controls, and three caused turnovers for the Seawolves during the 2024 season.  
 
"Getting the chance to play with Jordan again has been a dream come true," Gianna said.  "Since we were little, we were always super close and did everything together so getting the chance to live out our dreams together is just the best."
 
 
For the Fuscos, spending hours in their backyard or on the school's turf competing in 1v1s became an everyday occurrence, neither wanting to leave the field and accept defeat.
 
"We've had our fair share of coaching and advice sessions, it's nice having someone to always bounce ideas off of or to give you a little tough love when you need it. I think it was inevitable that we would have good chemistry on the field because we have done all of our training together," Julia noted.
 
With abundant athletic talent among the Fusco sisters, one might expect that they came from a long line of lacrosse players, but that is not the case. Their father and grandfather both wrestled collegiately, while having cousins that also play lacrosse at Delaware and Penn State.
 
At Bayport-Blue Point High School, the Fuscos were key players in helping bring home the Long Island Championship in 2021 and were both members of the Long Island "Elite" Yellowjackets Lacrosse Club.
 
 
Throughout Julia's college recruiting process, Alex wanted to be as unbiased as possible… just like Jordan with Gianna. "I didn't want to sway her decision one way or another. It's a huge decision and I was going to support her no matter where she decided to go. It was definitely a proud big sister moment for me [when she chose Stony Brook], and an even bigger moment for our parents to have their two kids back on the field together," Alex said.
 
Julia knew she wanted a school that offered both strong academics and a reputable lacrosse program and Stony Brook became the frontrunner quickly. "Seeing my sister thrive here gave me the confidence that I would find success as well and it's a bonus having your best friend at college with you," Julia emphasized.
 
For Stony Brook, both Fuscos play midfield and have taken to the field together in the Red, Navy, and White in all 11 games this season. Alex is looking forward to her final year but gets to experience something unique in enjoying it with her sister. Julia, on the other hand, has proven herself worthy, earning plenty of playing time on the Seawolves' roster as a rookie.
 
"She knew she had to come in shape and play with a chip on her shoulder to earn a spot which I knew wouldn't be an issue for her because she is always doing extra work and giving everything she has everyday so I'm super proud of how well she has handled the transition," Alex noted.
 
Dominating on both ends of the field, Julia has showcased her young talent through the first half of the season recording 13 points on eight goals and five assists, along with 10 ground balls, nine caused turnovers, and a pair of draw controls. She earned CAA Rookie of the Week after a career performance against William & Mary. Finding just as much success, Alex sits in the top-five in various categories for the Seawolves, tallying 27 points on 19 goals and eight assists, while collecting 21 draw controls, 19 ground balls, and seven caused turnovers.

"I can't begin to put into words how exciting it has been to play with my sister again, especially at such a high, competitive level. I loved getting to play with Alex in high school and I can't wait to make countless memories this year [at Stony Brook] and hopefully win big, just like how we did the last time we played together in the same uniform," Julia said.
 
 
The Forte and Fusco sisters are the next family members to leave a legacy at Stony Brook. Coach Spallina often regards his program as a family and the history of creating those families is unmatched. The Seawolves have had ten pairs of sisters on their roster….with seven of those siblings playing together including Kelly and Kathryn Kuerner (2013-14), Torrye and Tiffany Zullo (2015-18), Kylie and Taryn Ohlmiller (2017-18), twins in McKenzie and Morgan Mitchell (2020-24), Ellie and Allie Masera (2021-24), and now Gianna and Jordan Forte (2024-25) and Julia and Alex Fusco (2025). Cori and Ally Kennedy, Kelsey and Kailyn Hart, and Rayna and Abby Sabella each played for Stony Brook during their collegiate careers but never alongside their sister.
 
The Seawolves were selected to finish first in the CAA Coaches Preseason Poll and have gone 9-4 through the 2025 campaign thus far, but whatever happens on the field, one thing is clear – it will be a very special season for the Forte and Fusco sisters.

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