It’s always a family affair at the U-M Lacrosse Stadium. On any given day it’s common to see a sibling duo trading passes or yelling encouragement from across the field. For the van Wees and the Goodloe siblings, suiting up for the Wolverines means more than school pride. It’s a continuation of a lifelong bond that’s now woven into the culture of Michigan lacrosse.
Freshman Truus van Wees, an attacker on the women’s team, carries more than just her skill when she walks onto the field — she also brings years of backyard scrimmages, sibling rivalries and family pride. Truus grew up playing multiple sports and emulating her older brothers, one of whom is current senior defenseman Kees van Wees for the men’s game. While Truus’ own drive helped propel her to success in the sports she played, three older siblings pushed her to the max.
“We’re all super competitive,” Truus told The Michigan Daily. “We never let anything go, if one of us wins something, the other won’t stop talking about it.”
Growing up with her brothers wasn’t just friendly competition for Truus — it was preparation for a bigger state. And soon, while watching her older brother carve out his path at Michigan, she started to envision her own story unfolding. Originally, Truus never planned to be a Wolverine. But when she and her family moved Kees into his dorm his freshman year, she realized she wanted to follow in his footsteps.
“He’s been one of my biggest role models,” Truus said. “Seeing him work hard and have it all pay off is really inspiring”
That admiration goes both ways for the van Weeses, as Kees has watched his younger sister’s journey with pride. And, as always, with a healthy dose of sibling rivalry.
“Division I lacrosse was always our dream,” Kees told The Daily. “I eventually chose Michigan, and Truus was always hinting that she wanted to be here ever since. Seeing her on the field has been one of the best experiences of my life.”
Courtesy of Michigan Photography.
Their mother, Mimi van Wees, attributes their success to a balance between structure and freedom. Mimi and her husband David were also both collegiate athletes, which paved the way for their children to follow in their footsteps and pursue excellence in everything they did.
“We never let them play just one sport,” Mimi told The Daily. “Whatever the season was, they had to switch even if they wanted to try piano or something else. They didn’t get burnt out because they were always trying new things, and didn’t care what they did. We just asked them to be accountable, show up on time, and give it their best.
Mimi and David avoided placing huge pressure on their kids to have to pick a sport — they just wanted their kids to be involved with something. Now that both siblings are at Michigan, as well as an older brother in graduate school at Michigan, they feel the van Weeses represent the Wolverines as a family.
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Goalkeeping is often a solitary role, being boxed in the net as the last line of defense, but for senior Cameron Goodloe and sophomore Emileigh Goodloe it’s a shared family experience. Their styles are different, but their mindsets are the same: calm, analytical, composed.
“As a goalie, you’re constantly evaluating what’s happening in front of you,” Emileigh told The Daily. “Playing different sports growing up helped me recognize patterns, read the field, and understand strategy in real time.”
Growing up playing with her brother, Emiliegh felt that her goaltending style differed from other girls she played with. She originally started playing and practicing with her brother and his teammates. She also boasts a strong competitive drive, which she adopted from her brother.
“I think I was competing with him more than he was with me,” Emileigh said. “Especially going to camps, I was trying to figure things out in a men’s lacrosse setting.”
Although lacrosse is the center of their life, their relationship isn’t consumed by it. The Goodloes prioritize taking time away from lacrosse and bonding as siblings.
“We probably talk a lot less about the game than people think,” Cameron told The Daily. “It’s more about just being here together.”
Courtesy of Michigan Photography.
They make sure to carve out time to get dinner, go to brunch or even just hang out in a non-lacrosse setting. This quality family time allows them to be the best version of themselves on the field and as people.
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While sibling duos aren’t exactly a recruiting strategy, they’ve become an organic part of the Wolverines lacrosse identity. Their coaches have welcomed the natural accountability and leadership that comes with it as well.
“Having someone on the team who knows you that well sets a tone,” Truus said. “It makes this place feel more like home.”
Kees’ experience at Michigan has been one to remember. He helped the Wolverines win their first Big Ten Championship and make their first NCAA Tournament. And having his younger sister at Michigan for the final year made his experience even more special.
“Having Truus here, and even having our older brother at Michigan has made this chapter really special,” Kees said. “It’s bittersweet that my career as a Wolverine is over but I have the next three years to come back and visit since they are here.”
As Michigan lacrosse grows in stature and success, it’s also growing in tradition — one that’s rooted in something more than just the game. For the van Wees and Goodloe siblings, it’s about something stronger, something lasting: family.
