December brings chilly weather, Christmas carols and winter break, but for head volleyball coach Claire Gay, December means the arrival of motherhood.

Gay is expecting twins, a boy and a girl.

“The little girl’s name is Emerson Mae Gay, and the little boy is Matthew Riggins Gay,“ Gay said.

Family is important to Gay and her husband.  The couple picked Mae from Gay’s grandmother’s middle name, and Matthew from Gay’s husband’s brother, who passed away.

“Matthew was my husband’s older brother who passed away when he was younger, so to honor him we wanted to use his name but opted to call him by his middle name,” Gay said.

Gay’s delivery is due in December, but might face an earlier arrival instead.

“My original due date is December 6th, but twins tend to come early. Full term for twins would be 36 weeks which would be November 8^th, this upcoming Sunday,” Gay said.

However, with volleyball playoffs beginning this month, Gay and her husband hope to make it a little longer. “Our goal is to make it 38 weeks which would be November 22.”

As expected, the thought of motherhood brings a lot of different feelings to Gay.

“Motherhood brings a lot of emotions on. But I am excited to have a family and share the love I have for my husband with our children. I would be lying if I wasn’t feeling other emotions but I am truly excited to be given the opportunity to be a mom and to have the privilege of raising two sweet babies.”