The Bestick twins reflect on their time as student-athletes at George Mason

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Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. In the case of George Mason University lacrosse twins Kaitlyn and Regan Bestick, that road has split and come back together several times. Now, as the Fredericksburg, Virginia, natives compete in their final season together and prepare to separate again, they reflect on their time in the Mason Nation.

Reganhas been a goalkeeper for the Patriots women's lacrosse team for the past three years after transferring from Saint Joseph's after her freshman season. She's started every game this season and has recorded 96 saves so far. Kaitlyn has played all four years at George Mason and is currently second on the team in goals scored with 26. Both of them have created a positive impact on the team, which isn't surprising considering the number of athletes in their family.

Regan and Kaitlyn Bestick. Photo by Mason Athletics

Sports and lacrosse have played an integral role in the lives of the Besticktwins. The product of two collegiate athletes-their mom was an All-American lacrosse player at James Madison, and their dad played baseball at William & Mary-they said televised sports were a big part of their household growing up.

"Because we're a sports family, we just watch a lot of games," said Kaitlyn. "Our roommates will tell you the same thing: We always have some form of sports on."

From childhood, their parents instilled a sense of competitiveness among the siblings, and they said they will always be grateful for that. "Our parents really prioritized us not only competing at the highest level but also getting the best education possible. And they instilled in us that work ethic to be able to succeed both academically and athletically," said Regan. 

The close bond between the sisters helps them give each other constructive feedback that translates into better performances. "Being in opposite positions really helps. When we're training in the off season, it helps to have someone who can shoot on me and tell me what I'm doing wrong, or what I'm giving up, and vice versa," said Regan. "It really helps to have that second pair of eyes. Inherently, I feel like we make each other better every day." 

Despite spending their first years apart, they still collided on the field during that first season. On March 11, 2023, Regan made her debut for Saint Joseph's, against her twin sister, who was starting for George Mason. Regan recalls feeling overwhelmed with emotion, as it was the first time she competed against her sister. However, when Regan came on, she knew that she had to focus on giving her best performance and ensuring the victory. The Hawks came away with the win, and Regan contributed to the clean sheet.

The sisters grew up playing together. Photo by Mason Athletics

Kaitlyn played a key role in bringing Regan to Mason. Kara Mupo, the head coach for the women's lacrosse team, saw the sisters play at the club level in high school and was impressed by their skills and tenacity.

"I was definitely a big part of [Regan's] recruiting process coming to Mason," said Kaitlyn. "We wanted her from day one. And [Coach Mupo] was adamant about getting an inside scoop about her process, because she's a very talented player."

"I knew that Kara was an amazing coach," said Regan. "[George] Mason was in my top two schools my first time aroundrecruiting as a high schooler. I knew that it was a place that I really liked and really enjoyed the coaching style and coaching aspects that Kara brings to the table."

Regan also liked the idea of being closer to home. "I really enjoyed the fact that my parents got to come to every one of Kaitlyn's games," she said, noting that they couldn't always make it to Philadelphia for hers.

Regan brought valuable experience to George Mason. "Her being here just makes us so much better on all facets," said Kaitlyn. "Not only does she lock down her cage on the field, but she's also a great role model for our underclassmen. She's added so much value to our team."  

Aside from being among the top scorers, Kaitlyn also has additional leadership responsibilities as she is the president of the Student-Athletes Advisory Council (SAAC) and serves as the voice for student-athletes.

Both sisters also have set out clear career paths. Regan has known since high school that she wanted to become a veterinarian. Majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry, she is already a certified veterinary assistant. After graduation, she'll begin her four-year journey in veterinary school.

Kaitlyn, who completed her bachelor's in government and international politics last year, is currently working on her master's in political science through the Bachelor's/Accelerated Masters (BAM) Program at George Mason. She will be attending law school in the fall.

Kaitlyn was introduced to law at a young age by her dad, who is a police officer for Fairfax County. "I came into Mason knowing I wanted to be an attorney. But personally, I want to do more civil or government work," said Kaitlyn. "I'm also interested in sports law. I don't really want to be in a courtroom too much, but rather more behind the scenes."

She interned last summer with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and worked with their procurement division.  

Both are really excited about their graduate studies. "This will be the first time we're only students-not student-athletes, so I don't know how we're going to handle just having schoolwork to do and no practice or anything taking up half our day," said Kaitlyn.

This also means that the sisters will once again be away from each other, but they have already prepared for this situation.

"We talk way too much, so obviously there will be a lot of FaceTime calls and texts," saidKaitlyn.

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