Missouri women’s basketball freshman forward Sarah Linthacum and redshirt sophomore forward Micah Linthacum share a bond unlike any other: sisterhood.
“My favorite part is you have that sister connection,” Sarah Linthacum said. “You know their next move, which makes playing really fun and a little easier because you can read them.”
Although it may sound cliché, this “sister connection” proves to be a valid claim. The Linthacums’ bond came to fruition throughout their playing time together in high school.
The last time Sarah Linthacum and Micah Linthacum shared a court was in 2019 when they led Jefferson City High School to a 29-2 record, including a 23-0 start and a deep playoff-run. During the district championship game that year, the sisters connected on a play they’d never forget.
“I remember, it was [against] Troy,” Micah Linthacum said. “Sarah got an and-one, and I had the assist to her. She finished it with such a strong move. I remember the way we embraced each other; it was so awesome.”
Three years later, both sisters represent the Tigers, who are vying for the chance to return to their first NCAA Tournament since the 2018-19 season.
While both sisters hold their high school successes in their hearts, Sarah Linthacum is ready to take the leap as a player onto the next stage.
On a team featuring players from eight different states and three separate countries, the Linthacums are the two with the deepest ties to mid-Missouri. Not only do they have each other, but Missouri’s campus is exactly 32 miles from their high school.
Sarah Linthacum said proximity is one reason she committed but the team atmosphere surrounding women’s basketball made Missouri feel “the most like home out of every school I visited.”
Sarah Linthacum has her sister at Missouri, making the transition easier and having access to a beacon for support and encouragement.
“She’s always encouraging and leading by example,” Sarah Linthacum said. “She is like a little team mom and looking out for everybody.”
Whether it’s standing up the entire game to support the team or giving encouragement after a player comes off the floor, Micah Linthacum exemplifies the qualities Sarah Linthacum admires. Micah Linthacum focuses on doing the little things and inspires her little sister through these small on-court actions.
Micah Linthacum begins her third season at Missouri after a redshirt freshman year. Last year, she appeared in 10 games as a redshirt freshman, averaging 1.2 points and 1.5 rebounds in just 6.0 minutes per game.
Over the offseason, Micah Linthacum focused on what she’s learned the past couple years while utilizing the opportunity to have an actual offseason.
“Everything is starting to click in my mind,” Micah Linthacum said. “As far as where I need to be on defense or reading my defender when I’m trying to do different offensive moves.”
Micah Linthacum plans to build on past experience in head coach Robin Pingeton’s system, but she also said her sister’s presence motivates her too.
“She does her best and does every single little thing that she needs to for the good of the team,” Micah Linthacum said. “That is a great reminder for me that I need to do better and put in more work.”
After a year where the coronavirus affected both of their seasons, the Linthacums know they have to make the most of this year.
“Whether we’re traveling for an away game or the simple things of practice, [I’m] really wanting to take that in because you never know how much time you have left,” Micah Linthacum said.
Although the duo may not headline Missouri’s starting lineup this season, they’re motivated to make a difference this year and are excited for the opportunity to compete. Their first regular season game is slated for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11, against visiting Murray State University.
Edited by Kyle Pinnell, kpinnell@themaneater.com
