Retta and Reese Hatin: A Lifelong Bond Through Sports

Division III Week is a special time to recognize and celebrate the impact of athletics and student-athletes on campus and in the community. Throughout the week, Division III schools and conference offices are encouraged to engage in outreach activities focused on academic achievement, athletic excellence, or leadership through community service and campus involvement. 

Regis College Athletics continues its celebration of Division III week with a featured spotlight on sisters, Retta Hatin '26 and Reese Hatin '27.

WESTON, Mass. -- For sisters Retta Hatin (Hooksett, N.H.) and Reese Hatin (Hooksett, N.H.), sports have always been more than just competition—they've been a lifelong bond. As dual-sport student-athletes for the Pride, the duo takes the field together in both women's soccer and women's lacrosse, sharing countless memories and a deep connection through every game and season.

Growing up, the two were practically destined to play soccer. It ran in their family, with their grandfather and father passing down a love for the game. Retta, the older of the two, picked it up first, but it wasn't long before Reese followed. Soccer became their main sport, but their adventurous spirits led them to try lacrosse together as well. Since lacrosse was smaller in their town, they ended up on the same team from the start, a trend that continued throughout their careers.

"We were part of the first-ever girls' lacrosse team at our middle school, and I was one of the first captains," Retta recalled. Reese, on the other hand, found herself in goal early on, earning the nickname "ROBO Reese" from her coach.

"ROBO Reese"

Choosing Regis

For both sisters, the decision to attend Regis was driven by academics first. Reese, the younger of the two, was drawn to the opportunity to fast-track her degree in three years. Meanwhile, Retta chose Regis for its unique 3+4 Pre-Optometry program, allowing her to get a jump-start on her career in optometry.

But neither sister could ignore the opportunity to keep playing the sports they loved.

Reese had Regis on her radar after seeing the support Retta received as a student-athlete. After attending a soccer ID clinic, she was offered a roster spot on the spot. "It instantly became my top choice because I got to continue playing the sport I loved," she said.

Retta's journey to becoming a dual-sport athlete at Regis was more unexpected. Originally recruited for soccer, she found herself drawn back to lacrosse after Kylee Marley, an upperclassman on the team, encouraged her to give it another shot. "I reached out to Coach Duggan, thought I'd try again, and instantly felt at home with the lacrosse team and coaches," she said.

Built-in Teammates for Life

Playing alongside a sibling is a rare experience at the collegiate level, and the sisters don't take it for granted.

"I absolutely love sharing the field with my sister," Reese said. "Growing up, we were always pushing each other. Most people would think there would be sibling rivalry, but we just work differently. We're lucky for this opportunity."

Retta agreed, calling Reese her "built-in teammate for life." Their familiarity with each other's playing styles gives them an advantage on the field. "We have our differences, but that happens with every teammate. We've been on the same teams for almost every sport our whole lives, so we just know how to play together."

When it comes to competitiveness, however, the debate gets heated.

"I'm more competitive," Reese declared. "As the younger sibling, I always had to prove myself. She did it first, but I did it second—and better."

Retta laughed in disagreement. "Definitely me. I have a drive to be the best at everything I do. She's lying—ask any of our teammates."

Unforgettable Moments

One of their funniest sibling moments on the field happened just this past soccer season. During a game, Reese got fouled and ended up with turf in her eye. Without hesitation, she called Retta over, who immediately helped remove the turf so she could keep playing. Watching the moment back on film made them both laugh.

Looking ahead, they know the memories of big wins and tough losses will eventually fade. But the moments that will stick with them the most are the ones that happened in between—the pre-game car rides blasting music, the inside jokes at practice, and the simple joy of playing the games they love, together.

"I'll always remember that if I ever needed a partner, she'd let me join the big kids," Reese said. "Our dad was our coach, so Sundays were family days. I can't remember all the specifics, but I just remember the good feelings."

Retta echoed the sentiment. "I won't remember every big game or tournament, but I'll always remember the laughs, the car rides, and the bond we built through sports."

For these sisters, the wins are sweet, but nothing beats the joy of sharing the field—side by side, just like always.