For the Felton sisters, soccer has always been more than just a sport it’s a family legacy, a shared passion, and the foundation of a journey that has brought them closer both on and off the field.
The bond between senior Peyton Felton, 21, and freshman Macy Felton, 19, has added a unique and powerful dynamic to the University of South Florida’s women’s soccer team, uniting them in a way few athletes experience.
The legacy of soccer in the Felton family stretches back before Peyton and Macy were even born. “Both my parents played soccer in college and met while coaching against each other,” Peyton shared with a laugh. “So, soccer was kind of meant to be for us.”
This legacy shaped their lives from a young age. Under their father’s coaching in high school, Peyton and Macy first played competitively together, a partnership that sparked an undeniable chemistry on the field.
When Peyton graduated, both sisters believed that the game marked the end of their time as teammates. Macy, however, ultimately joined USF as a freshman in 2023, and Peyton soon transferred from the University of Memphis to the Bulls, allowing the sisters to reunite on the pitch. “Being here together again feels amazing,” Peyton shared. “In high school, we thought it was the last time we’d play together.”
Macy, adjusting to her first year of college, couldn’t agree more, “Peyton makes things so much more comfortable. She knows my level of play and pushes me to rise to it.”
For many siblings, the chance to play Division I sports together is an almost surreal experience. It’s a rare combination of fierce rivalry and unwavering support that creates a one-of-a-kind bond. As defenders, both sisters bring intensity to the field, with Macy’s bold style and Peyton’s seasoned leadership becoming cornerstones of the Bulls’ defensive line.
“We’re both really gritty,” Macy said with a grin. “If we go against each other, someone’s going on the ground.” Peyton quickly added with a laugh, “It’s usually not me!”
Their connection transcends the field. At USF, Peyton’s role extends to mentoring her younger sister, sharing not only playing advice but also a perspective on balancing the demands of being a student-athlete. “You have to have a balance,” Peyton said. “If you don’t, you burn out. You need something else besides soccer and school to keep you grounded.”
Macy has embraced this advice, joining campus clubs, Bible studies, and making friends across USF’s athletic community, discovering the importance of belonging beyond the game.
For Coach Chris Brown, the impact of the Felton sisters goes beyond skill. “Peyton and Macy bring something special to the team, not just as players but as sisters,” he said. “Their bond is powerful, and they push each other in ways that motivate the entire squad. They’ve raised the level of intensity on our defensive line and brought an incredible unity to the field.”
The Felton family, too, has become a familiar presence at USF games. Their parents frequently travel from Ohio, attending games almost every weekend to support their daughters. Macy lovingly calls it a “gamecation.” “They’re just happy we’re happy and playing together,” she said, smiling.
One memory in particular capture the journey the Feltons have taken together. In high school, with their dad as their coach, they won the state championship side by side. Macy, a freshman then, and Peyton, a senior, both remember that championship game as a crowning moment in their soccer journey. “Having my sister and dad by my side as we won a national championship,” Macy recalled. “It was a pretty cool memory,” Peyton added.
As Peyton nears the end of her college career, she’s proud to leave the Bulls in Macy’s capable hands. “Have fun while you’re playing because it goes by so fast,” she advised. “You don’t want to look back and realize you didn’t make the most of these years.”
For the Felton sisters, sharing this journey on a Division I soccer team has deepened their bond and given them memories they will carry long after their time in USF’s Corbett Stadium. The Felton sisters have done more than play the game together; they’ve crafted a legacy of grit, family, and love that extends far beyond the final whistle.