Defendini Twins Lead by Example on and Off the Field at Farmingdale High

Identical twins Jackson and Lily Defendini, separated by one minute at birth, are setting a high bar for leadership at Farmingdale High School as co-captains of their respective athletic teams. Lily leads the swim and dive team, while Jackson captains the lacrosse team and has joined the varsity football team for his senior year.

Their academic schedules have often aligned, with Lily noting they shared eight out of nine school periods in most years. This proximity, she said, helped them push each other. Jackson, the older twin, has been on the varsity lacrosse team since his freshman year. He is now also playing varsity football, a new challenge he embraced for his senior season.

Lily described Jackson's role in her physical development, recalling how he would encourage her to work out in their basement gym. "He’d make me lift until I probably couldn’t even lift a pencil," she said. Jackson, in turn, credits Lily as an academic motivator, helping him manage challenging advanced placement courses.

"We always have books out everywhere — just getting homework done and eating dinner at the same time," Jackson said of their shared study habits.

A Path Forward

Both twins have aspirations beyond high school sports. Jackson is considering applying to the United States Naval Academy, inspired by a neighbor. He expressed a desire to give back to the nation.

"After, I’d like to extend an extra five years in serving this nation and to give back what it’s given me in my 17 years of being alive," Jackson stated. "I really appreciate everything that’s happened in my life."

Lily also plans to continue her athletic career in college, aiming to swim at the collegiate level, whether Division I, II, or III, or through club programs. "I just love swimming. I love the community it’s given me," she said.

Senior Season Goals

As they approach graduation in 2027, the Defendini twins are focused on achieving their goals for their final year. Lily is aiming for personal bests in her swimming events, having already recorded a 59.37-second 100-yard freestyle. Jackson hopes to lead the currently 4-1 football team to a Nassau County title. He decided to play his senior year to be part of his longtime coach Buddy Krumenacher's final season.

Jackson and Lily acknowledge that their paths will likely diverge after high school but view this as a natural progression. "I think it’s also important that we each go off on our own journey too," Jackson said. "And then, obviously, when it’s all done … and we’re both settled, we’re both definitely going to come back to each other and be there for each other."

Lily added, "It’s really just great having a twin sister in high school. I wish everyone could have it. It’s a blessing."