Sisters Courtney and Brittany Jacobsen have always been close, but the two are nearly inseparable these days.

Both share a room in their parents' house in Burlington and both play different, but important, roles on the Our Redeemer's Christian School volleyball team.

Courtney is a senior outside hitter for the Knights, while Brittany is in her first year as an assistant coach in charge of the C squad.

Considering how often their paths cross, it is a good thing the two get along so well.

"(Courtney) is not just a great sister, she's a best friend," said Brittany, who graduated from Our Redeemer's in 2007. "I'm lucky that we've had the chance to play together and, now, for me to coach while she's still playing. Not everyone gets that opportunity."

Both girls have made indelible marks on the Knights volleyball program.

Brittany was an all-state selection in 2006 and was a starter on the Knights team that finished second at the Class B state volleyball tournament in 2004.

While Courtney has yet to experience the type of team success her sister had, she has been just as good individually. Standing 5-foot-7, Courtney leads the team in kills this season (331) and has amassed 1,256 in her varsity career. She averages a little more than three kills a game and has 39 aces for the Knights, who enter today's District 12 Tournament as the No. 2 seed.

Knights head coach Sherry Carlson said Our Redeemer's is lucky to have sisters like Courtney and Brittany in the program.

"The family has been awesome. The parents have been great and very supportive and, obviously, the girls are both great athletes," Carlson said. "They both put in the time to be successful and they have the desire to do well. And that sets them apart to. A lot of kids have the desire, but those two work at it and you don't get that from everyone."

After graduating from Williston State College with an associate degree in physical therapist assistant, Brittany came home to study for the exam that will certify her in that field. She also learned of an open coaching position at Our Redeemer's.

"They were looking for another coach and I loved playing here so much that I thought it would be a good chance for me to get some experience," Brittany said. "With Mrs. Carlson and (assistant coach) Kara (Nunziato), I knew it would be really fun."

While some might think it would be difficult to coach a team that includes a sibling, Brittany said the opposite is true. She gets to see a side of Courtney that was not visible before.

"It is cool to see how (Courtney) takes control of things, because I didn't get to see that when I was playing with her," Brittany said. "You see just how much hard work she puts into the game. It is interesting to see it, instead of just being on the team and not really noticing that kind of thing. She always has a positive attitude no matter what the situation is and I like that about her."

Courtney's work ethic and competitiveness did not materialize out of thin air. It turns out the sisters share more than a last name.

"(Brittany) taught me a lot about hard work. She always pushed herself in practice so I think that showed me that if you want to be successful you have to work hard," Courtney said. "She always pushes through. I remember her being sick during a regional tournament - she was throwing up all day - but she still played and did not complain. I've learned a lot from her."

The Jacobsens go back to work today when the Knights take on No. 7 Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood in the first round of the District 12 Tournament at Our Redeemer's gymnasium.

The tournament opens with No. 1 Kenmare against No. 8 Surrey at 4 p.m., followed by No. 4 Bishop Ryan vs. No. 5 Des Lacs-Burlington. No. 3 Lewis & Clark plays No. 6 Glenburn in the final match of the first round. Play continues Monday and Tuesday.