After almost eighteen years of being known as “one of the triplets,” Caitlyn Tenhundfeld has learned two things: people will always categorize her with her sisters, and individuality can often be difficult to claim. With adulthood quickly approaching, Caitlyn is learning what sets her apart.

Caitlyn is described by her sister Izzie as relaxed, funny, and diligent.

“She is very good at staying calm in all situations; she likes to be entertaining and is good at making people laugh,” Izzie told Spark. “She’s also very precise about things and cares about small details.”

Knowing everything about each other, the triplets have been bonded since they were born, said Caitlyn. 

“We’re very close,” Caitlyn told Spark. “We spend so much time together; it’s hard not to be.”

Solidifying their relationship, all three girls participate in colorguard together.

The girls’ former colorguard coach Shane Durnion notes how the three worked together. 

“[Caiti] was the one that was rooting for them, and you could always tell that,” Durnion told Spark. 

Between colorguard, working, driving, attending school, and living together, the girls have stuck out to others as being connected.

 “They have a natural bond and support system,” Durnion told Spark.

Noting their dynamic, he explained that the three are closer than anyone else on the team. 

 “They didn’t have to talk all the time or be in the same friend groups, but they always worked together,” said Durnion.

Although the triplets collaborate, Caitlyn is also known for her own traits as well.  

“Caiti was always the problem solver of the bunch,” said Durnion. “She was the most ready to face things head on and help her other two sisters with approaching any situation whether it was good or bad.”

Helping her sisters comes naturally to Caitlyn, as the Tenhundfeld family is a large, but close one. 

“I’d like to think that I’m thoughtful,” said Caitlyn. “I try to be empathetic whenever I can.”

Other than Caitlyn, there are 4 siblings in her family. She has two triplet sisters, Sammi and Izzie, her younger sister Lily, and her younger brother Rhys.

“We spend a lot of time together,” said Caitlyn.

Of her siblings, Caitlyn feels that she is a “middle ground” between the interests of her siblings, and it gives her the opportunity to be close with all of them.

“Me and Izzie share a bond over particular interests, while me and Sammi share a completely different set,” said Caitlyn. 

The three sisters have grown close together, not only by their almost identical upbringings but also by all of the qualities and hobbies that they share.

“My bond with Caiti is pretty strong,” said Izzie. “We like to talk about our interests and random things in the middle of the night.”

While they are intertwined, Caitlyn also has her differences. 

“I’m definitely more of a homebody than my sisters are,” said Caitlyn.

Caitlyn also notes that with being a triplet, spending time alone is really important to her.

 “It allows me to relax and step away from everything else for a minute,” said Caitlyn.

Another aspect that sets her apart ties into her having a “calmer” personality.

“I’m just generally more of an observer,” said Caitlyn.

Nevertheless, what sets Caitlyn apart is not all just her personality, but her ability to stand out, even in a triplet of sisters. 

“I think that something I’ve had to learn from it is how to be independent.”

Caitlyn cherishes that even with her independence, she still has her triplets and “built in friendships.”

“[Their friends] don’t hang out with just one of us. It’s either all of us or none of us,” said Caitlyn.