Page 43 - Spring 2022

Athletic ‘Wells’
run deep
in Oconee
By Justin Hubbard
Karlee and Kendall Wells want to be the best, no matter where or when they compete.
The North Oconee High School athletic sisters not only wish to outdo their opponents while participating in their respective sports, but they also want to one-up each other. It’s a competitive drive that helped them perform as two of the county’s best student-athletes during the 2021-22 school year.
Karlee, a senior, competed as a diver on the swimming and diving team, for which she achieved great success throughout her career. Kendall, a freshman, was a breakout star for the school’s softball team this year before playing basketball, too. They made the most of the shared experience.
“That was kind of exciting because we haven’t been in school together since elementary school,” Kendall said. “With both of our sports, we go and support each other as much as we can.”
While Kendall was adjusting to the high school ranks, she was also infusing the school with her outgoing personality.
“Everyone at school knows her, whereas I’m more quiet and reserved,” Karlee said of her sibling dynamic. “She’s definitely been a bright spot and an energy in high school this year.”
It was a hectic year for the Wells family, with Karlee and Kendall competing at the high school level for most of the school year. Additionally, their younger sisters, twin middle schoolers Kamryn and Kourtney, had sporting events. The sisters also compete on travel teams. That type of schedule has been the norm for the Wells family over the last several years. Karlee said the duo’s time in high school brought them closer.
Karlee was a regular near the top of the leaderboard during North Oconee’s diving events. She placed fourth in the state competition, scoring 506.10 in the 1-meter dive.
Top left, North Oconee softball star Kendall Wells plays catcher and right fielder while competing for the Lady Titans. Bottom left, Karlee Wells ranks among the best divers in the history of North Oconee High School’s program, having earned a college scholarship.
sJustin Hubbard is the sports editor for The Oconee Enterprise newspaper in Watkinsville, Ga.
SPRING 2022 | OCONEE THE MAGAZINE | PAGE 41