Jenna and Dana Zamprelli are sisters, but they also are competitors.

"I'm really happy when I beat her," Dana joked about her big sister.

Jenna, a 17-year-old junior, and Dana, a 15-year-old freshman, play on the Douglas County High School golf team. Jenna is among the state's best in 5A, and Dana is showing quick improvement. Jenna shot a 79, placing second in the 5A Colorado Springs regional tournament May 10. At the time this edition went to press, she was in fifth place in the 5A state tournament at Highlands Ranch Golf Club. Dana had placed fifth in a tournament May 4.

While they are good golfers, the two girls also enjoy other sports. Jenna also swims for Douglas County, and Dana also plays basketball and volleyball.

According to their dad, Paul Zamprelli, coaches have tried to get his daughters to concentrate on one sport. So far, the girls have resisted. And for the family, he said, academics and being a good person are the priorities.

"If they would quit sports tomorrow, that is OK with Debbie (their mother) and me," their father said. "I do not believe in the high pressure put on the kids these days."

Playing sports and keeping up with school are difficult, they said. During a recent tournament, Jenna missed six tests that she had to make up. Dana said she missed three.

"Junior year is hard," Jenna said. "I'm particularly challenged this year (to keep up with academics)."

Jenna said neither parent forced them into sports. But there's no denying, sports runs in their blood. Paul, now a manager for Rinchem, was selected All State in football as a center and noseguard, and then went on to play at the University of New Mexico on a full scholarship. After college, he went on to the University of South Carolina for three years as a defensive line coach. When he and Debbie decided to start their family, he left coaching behind because he knew how difficult coaching would be when raising children. Debbie, now the general manager and director of instruction at Grand Golf Park in Highlands Ranch, had played college golf at the University of New Mexico, and participated in the US Women's Open in 1983. She joined the LPGA in 1986, as a teaching professional. She played on the Futures Tour for two years.

Dana admitted she didn't like golf at first. Wanting to play well immediately, she became frustrated. The frustration turned into motivation, she said. Dana said her strength is her drive (average 300 yards, she said), and Jenna said her short game is her strength.

Even though mom was a professional, she doesn't always step in.

"I have always been there to help them when they ask, but they have to ask," Debbie said. "They know I will always be there for them. I think it helps that I have gone through everything they are going through now."

Jenna also has been taking lessons from Sherry Smith at Castle Pines Country Club.

"I think it helps to have someone with a different eye look at their swings because I see them every day," Debbie said. "Sherry can see many things I can't with Jenna, and I think all teenagers need a different perspective than their parents."

Both girls have interests beyond sports. Jenna has a special interest in the sciences, while Dana enjoys drawing and painting.

"We try to have fun," Jenna said. "You won't be successful (at whatever you try), if you don't enjoy it."