Player Spotlight: Chloe Japic
August 27, 2025 | Women's Soccer
LUBBOCK – Soccer teams will scout their opponents by studying video of past games – breaking down tactics, formations and identifying strengths and weaknesses of each player. Texas Tech midfielder Chloe Japic won't need to spend her time analyzing SMU's midfielder/defender wearing No. 7 though. Â
"We've been playing with each other our entire life," Japic said. "I started playing soccer when I was two and she started at the same age after me. We would always practice together. It wouldn't last long though. We'd pass for about 15 minutes and then I'd yell at her for playing me a bad pass. We would bicker back-and-forth and storm off. As we started getting older and more mature, we became each other's best training partners though. We pushed each other because we are super competitive with each other. We also support each other and back each other up all the time."
No. 7 on SMU is Sydney Japic – the younger sister of Chloe. They're 21 months apart in age and both playing for new teams and in their last collegiate season. Chloe is a graduate student at Texas Tech, transferring in this season after three years at Virginia and two at Baylor. Sydney joined the Mustangs this season after three at Alabama. Originally from Palo Alto, California, the Japic sisters have identical stats through four games this season with both making four starts and having one assist each.
"From the time we were little, my sister and I did everything together and soccer was always at the center of it," Sydney Japic said. "Growing up in such a competitive household, we naturally pushed each other every single day. I was lucky to have not only a built-in teammate, but also my best friend to train with, compete against, and lean on. We've been each other's biggest supporters from the start watching each other's games, celebrating the highs, and being there for the lows. Honestly, I wouldn't be the player or person I am today without her by my side through it all."
First touch between Texas Tech and SMU is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday at the John Walker Soccer Complex. It will be the first game the sisters have ever played against each other.
"It's really exciting for both of us," Chloe said. "A little nerve wrecking too. Especially for our parents. We're each other's biggest fans and supportive of each other. We text before every game and watch when we can. At the end of the day, we both want to win this game. I'm hoping she does as well as she can, but that we win."
The closest the Japic sisters came to playing against each other was back in 2022 during the NCAA Tournament. Chloe was playing for Virginia and advanced to the Elite 8 with a 3-2 overtime win over Penn State. Sydney's team at Alabama also reached the Elite 8, putting the two programs one win each away from a meeting in the Final Four. A 2-1 overtime loss to UCLA put a hold on the matchup between sisters until this week. Â Â
"It's crazy that we'll be playing against each other in this game after everywhere we've been," Chloe said. "It's a full-circle experience for both of us in our last year."
Chloe arrived in Lubbock having already played five collegiate seasons (71 games) along with competing for the Bosnia and Herzegovina U15, U17 and U19 National Teams. She also already has a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's in data science from the University of Virginia. After spending this summer interning with the Buffalo Bills in data analytics, she joined the Red Raiders for training and is enrolled in the MBA program. She came into this season having scored four goals and with six assists, including scoring a game-winning goal against Virginia Tech during a 2023 season where she started 16 games. In her first game with the Red Raiders, Japic assisted on a goal from Raleigh Greason to cap a 4-0 win over San Diego State.
"I'm an experienced player but I also know I'm new here and needed to learn the ropes," Chloe said. "The leaders on this team did a really good job integrating me in and making me feel welcomed right away. They led me and also trusted me to lead. I'm finally growing into that role and feeling more comfortable and confident. My goal at this point is to keep being a voice and lead by example. In the simplest and best way possible."
Japic started her career at Baylor, earning 2020 All-Big 12 Freshman Team honors and recording three goals and four assists – having her sophomore season cut short after six games due to a concussion. In a report by Caleigh Jo Hummel for KAMC's Red Raider Nation, Japic told her the understanding of the program through playing against them was a draw when she entered the transfer portal for the second time. "I knew that this team was always the grittiest," she said in the television interview. "Super hard working, super fit. Also really skilled on the ball too."
"It was a no-brainer when she became available in the portal," Texas Tech coach Tom Stone added. "We had historical knowledge of her and her family and were already aware of the quality of kids they raised. We understood how her experience at Virginia could benefit our team. To bring in an experienced player, they have to want to fit in and be part of the culture. They also have to be excited about coming, not just wanting to play somewhere new. She was all-in right away and was super mature and intellectual about her decision. I knew our team would love having her."
Chloe said her sister will primarily play center back while she will play at holding mid. She sees similarities and differences in where they're at in their playing styles and admits her sister can kick the ball farther. They are both uniquely athletic, but also use their intelligence and experience on the field. Sydney joined the SMU program this season after playing in 57 games at Alabama. Through four games this season, SMU is 3-1 with Japic starting in all four, including picking up an assist in a win over North Texas last week.
"We are both smart players who like to think through to make the best passes," Chloe said. "We worked a lot on that growing up together. She has a great passing game. Really good distribution. She can launch it and has incredible vision. We helped each other build those skills over the years. I watched her progression at Alabama and see how great she's doing right now at SMU. She's showing great leadership right away and has helped elevate her team. I'm really proud of her. It's not easy going in anywhere new when you're trying to use your voice to lead. It usually takes time but she's taking that challenge on and has been a great role model. We've helped each other out in that process since we're experiencing the same thing right now."
"The biggest similarity between us is our vision and competitiveness, we both see the game a step ahead and we both hate to lose," Sydney added. "But where Chloe stands out is in her creativity. As an attacker, she's fearless in taking risks, making runs others wouldn't, or pulling off passes you don't even see coming. I admire that about her."
Chloe is expecting to be a little emotional during the game – especially seeing her parents, Haris and Caroline, who are coming in from California in the stands. She said they're still working out what clothes they'll wear to support both of their daughters but that it's going to be a special night for the family. "Since I started college, I've always hoped I'd get the chance to face Chloe on the field," Sydney said. "To finally have that moment, it feels both fun and really meaningful. It's like all the years of hard work, long practices, and sacrifices we've made are coming full circle. For my parents, I think it's even more special. They've given so much for both of us to chase this dream, and Thursday night is really a reflection of their love, their support, and the values they instilled in us of hard work, dedication, and family first."
The sisters share in the feelings leading into the game but are also experienced and composed enough to compartmentalize. For Chloe and the Red Raiders, it's a matchup against SMU following a 2-0 loss at San Franscico on Sunday. There could be moments before and during the game when moments are somewhat surreal for both, but Chloe is prepared to remain attentive throughout while also embracing the unique experience they're now presented with. Â Â
"I'll be focusing on my own game and coming out strong after our loss last weekend," Chloe said. "This is a turning point for our team. That's where my mind is at right now. I'm really excited to see her but my focus is on our team and getting the result we need. Once that's all said and done, I'll celebrate her and I know she will celebrate me. It'll be great to get a big hug from her after the game."
