Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. In the case of George Mason Lacrosse twins, Kaitlyn and Regan Bestick, that road has split and come back together several times. Now, as they are competing in their final season together and preparing to split once again, they reflect on their childhood and time in the Green & Gold together.

Regan has 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 at 26 goals scored. Both of them have created a positive impact on the team, which isn't surprising considering the number of athletes in their family.

Sports and lacrosse have played an integral role in the lives of the Bestick twins. 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 – sports were on all the time growing up.

"Because we're a sports family, we just watch a lot of games. Our roommates will tell you the same thing: we always have some form of sports on. But it's always nice bouncing things off each other, being like, 'did you see this?'" said Kaitlyn. 

From childhood, their parents have instilled a sense of competitiveness among the siblings, and 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, it really helps because even in the summers, when we're training in the off seasons, it helps having 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. But inherently, I feel like we make each other better every day." 

During their freshman year apart, they still collided on the field. On March 11, 2023, Regan made her debut for Saint Joseph's, against her twin sister, who was starting for the Green & Gold. Regan recalls feeling overwhelmed with emotion, as it was the first time she would be competing 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.

In the off season, Kaitlyn played a key role in bringing Regan to Mason. Since they didn't have lacrosse at their high school, they played together at the club level, and that is when Kara Mupo, the head coach for the women's lacrosse team, was impressed by their play and tenacity.

"I was definitely a big part of her recruiting process coming to Mason," said Kaitlyn. "And [head George Mason lacrosse coach Kara Mupo] was very adamant about getting an inside scoop about her process, because she's a very talented player, and we wanted her from day one."

"I knew that Kara was an amazing coach," said Regan. "[George] Mason was in my top two schools my first time around recruiting as a high schooler, and so 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"

"I wanted to be closer to home. I was in Philadelphia, and so I was a little bit far from home, and I really enjoyed the fact that my parents got to come to every one of Kaitlyn's games, but maybe not every one of mine." 
 
Since joining the Patriots, Regan has played an integral role in bringing immense value and experience to the team. "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, and 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 SAAC (Student-Athletes Advisory Council) and serves as the voice for student-athletes.

When it come to life after Georeg Mason, both sisters have set out clear plans to pursue their career interests. Regan is majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She is also a certified veterinary assistant, following her love for animals. She's known since high school that she wanted to become a veterinarian. After graduation, she'll begin her four-year journey in veterinary school.

Kaitlyn completed her undergrad at George Mason in Government and International Politics last year. She is currently enrolled in the Bachelor's/Accelerated Masters (BAM) program at George Mason to complete her master's in political science. She will be attending law school starting next fall.

She 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 a little bit interested in sports law, so definitely non-criminal work. 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. She worked on the contract side of things, which sparked her interest in the civil side. 

Both of them are really excited about the graduate programs, thought it will be a different experience for them. "This will be the first time we're only students and 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 had already prepared for this situation.

"I'm just really glad to see her be able to pursue her dreams and whatever makes her happy," said Regan.

To succeed in life, they know that you need to be able to sacrifice something close to you. They faced the situation already for a year when Regan went to Saint Joseph's, and though they have absolutely cherished the time they have spent together at George Mason, they know they'll stay in touch.

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

One thing is for sure: this strong bond between the twins will never be affected by the thousands of miles separating them.