Growing up, Elizabeth and Laura Kender both knew they wanted to stay involved in sports for as long as they could. From being on the women's lacrosse club team at UMass Lowell, to being part of the school's first ever Division I win in the sport, they were always trying to make it one step further.
 
When UMass Lowell created a Division I women's lacrosse program back in 2014, both Elizabeth and Laura were quick to join the team. With a squad consisting mostly of freshmen, the two juniors were quickly looked to as leaders.
 
"It was cool because we were part of the first win and we were the first alumni," said Elizabeth. "It's fun to see where the program has gone and how far it's come.  It was a lot of fun to be part of the start of DI women's lacrosse at UMass Lowell."

 
Being a member of an inaugural team can create a lot of memories and firsts that will never be forgotten. However, for both Elizabeth and Laura, they both had one moment that stood out compared to everything else.
 
"If I had to pick the greatest memory, no feeling will ever top the first win", Laura said. "I had such a good time, and I know that I'm lucky because not everyone has that experience."
 
"Our first win," echoed Elizabeth when asked about her favorite moment. "Nothing will ever top that feeling. All of us rushing the field, all our work had finally paid off.  We were playing against some really good teams, so it was awesome that we got that first win."
 
Not only did the twins both get to be part of so many firsts for the River Hawk program, but they also got to experience it all together. Their whole lives, they had been with each other every step of the way, and in college, it was no different. Both Elizabeth and Laura were not only part of the lacrosse program, but plastics engineering majors, as well, and shared many classes together.
 
"It was awesome to have your built-in best friend," Laura noted about having her sister alongside her throughout college. "I loved being with my sister. It's something very few can understand, to have that twin bond. The fact we were able to experience college together is awesome."
 
Outside of lacrosse and classes, the two sisters were also a part of the Difference Makers, a program at the school that gets students focusing on problem solving, innovation and entrepreneurship. Both Elizabeth and Laura were members of the program for three years, which they credit to helping them prepare a lot for their futures.
 
"I learned so much at UMass Lowell, between the teachers and the classes. I was a member of the Difference Makers program with my sister and brother, which taught us how to be engineers and work with the business side," explained Elizabeth.
 
"They had idea challenges and competitions, where you would create an idea of your own and present it," Laura added. "The teachers would then help bring your ideas to life, and then they would be brought to competition."
 
Over five years later, the Kenders may not be together at the same school or be on the same team, but they both are still involved in sports, and are now living out their dreams of helping design athletic footwear.
 
Elizabeth, who is a senior product developer at New Balance, helps create lacrosse and softball cleats, as well as basketball shoes and kids' performance shoes.
 
"New Balance is just an amazing company. It's the best. I've been there five years, it was my first job out of college. Everybody there is so nice and it's just such a great company to work for. I love it."

 
Laura, who is a footwear developer for Converse, also started there shortly after graduating from UMass Lowell.
 
"I always tell people, that as a footwear developer, we engineer the shoes from start to finish," "We get the design, and briefs from the design and marketing teams, and then as a developer we have to bring those designs to life. We have to figure out the best way to get the shoes from the original design on the paper to the shelves where they can be bought."
 
Although they both finished their education and athletic careers at UMass Lowell five years ago, both sisters came away with experiences and knowledge they will take with them throughout every step in their professional journeys.
 
"Everything about the programs and the school, I fully enjoyed. I thank UMass Lowell for all of it," concluded Laura.