Andi and Monz Are Playing for Something Bigger
Updated: 4 minutes ago
Twin hockey players Andi and Monz share their bond and the personal purpose behind their $20,000 October Saves fundraising goal to fight cancer.
Written by Linda Herron
Women Sports USA®
For Andi and Monz, hockey has shaped their childhood: learning to skate, building their skills, and knowing a sister is nearby. But their connection to the game also reaches beyond the rink. Through October Saves, the 17-year-old identical twins are working toward a $20,000 fundraising goal to help fight cancer—a cause that has touched their own family.
When the sisters joined Women Sports USA® for an Athlete Spotlight conversation, they shared glimpses of a life filled with hockey, art, music, and the early questions about what comes after high school. Their future plans are still taking shape. Their desire to help others is already well established.
Andi and Monz: Growing Up Together on the Ice
Andi and Monz began ice skating around age four and picked up hockey around age six. As New York Rangers fans, they watched the sport before making it their own. Today, they play and train year-round, building on skills developed over many seasons. Asked what she enjoys most about being on the ice, Monz describes the satisfaction of “being able to use all the skills I’ve worked on for so many years.”
There is pleasure in that moment when practice becomes something a player can use in a game. For the sisters, enjoyment remains central to why they play. Now high school juniors, they are beginning to explore colleges, though they have not decided whether college hockey will be part of the next chapter. For now, there is another season to enjoy and more to learn.
A Sister Who Always Has Your Back
As an identical twin, I was curious about the bond they bring to the ice. Andi described having a twin as having an
Automatic Best Friend
-Andi Granito
And Monz added:
Andi always, always makes sure she’s got my back.
-Romneya (Monz) Granito
Away from hockey, both sisters enjoy working with their hands and imaginations. They paint, sculpt, work with wood, crochet, and create ceramics. School band is another part of their lives, with a winter concert ahead. Between practices and schoolwork, they explore interests that may help shape who they become.
A Personal Purpose Behind October Saves
Their October Saves effort has grown alongside them. The family describes this as their tenth campaign, and what began as a childhood opportunity to help has taken on deeper meaning. Both grandmothers and a godfather have experienced cancer. The cause is close to home, giving the sisters a personal reason to keep participating and to ask more of themselves.
“In the first year, it was just like, ‘Ooh, I’m gonna help people,’” Monz recalled. “And now it’s we’re gonna help as many people as possible.”
A $20,000 Goal and a Chance to Make a Difference
This year, that ambition comes with a $20,000 goal. Asked why they chose it, the answer was direct: “Go big or go home.” They also understand that the money raised matters even if the final total falls short of the target. Each contribution adds to what they can give through the campaign.
Their father, Robert Granito, has been helping them reach a wider audience. His outreach brought their story to Women Sports USA®, along with a request to share the fundraising page. During our conversation, the family said donations would remain open through November 10. Supporters can make a flat donation, choose the per-save giving option, or share the campaign.
Andi and Monz have plenty of decisions ahead—about college, hockey, and the creative interests they may pursue. Right now, they are dedicating time to a game they love and an endeavor that matters to their family. Their story reminds us that young athletes already have something to give, long before they know exactly where their sport will take them.
To support Andi and Monz’s October Saves effort, visit Monz’s fundraising page. A donation or shared link can help their effort reach more people.
Dream. Believe. Achieve.
Interview Source:
This article is based on an interview Linda Herron held with twin sisters Andi and Monz for Women Sports USA®. We recorded, transcribed, and edited the interview for clarity and readability, ensuring Andi and Monz's voices and experiences were preserved.
About Women Sports USA®
Women Sports USA® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating women and girls in sports, preserving their stories, and inspiring future generations. Through spotlights on athletes, coaches, and trailblazers, as well as sports history and educational storytelling, we believe every athlete has a story worth sharing.
Her Sport. Her Story.
Every Story Matters.
Linda Herron is the Founder and CEO of Women Sports USA®. She is a former Division I field hockey athlete and coach, an author, and a business finance executive with over 40 years of experience.
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