Athletics

Double Homecoming

N Our Voice

Double Homecoming

For Lauren and Hannah Camenzind, playing for Nebraska softball is about more than the game—it’s about coming home.

The twin sisters from Valley, Nebraska, have been teammates for as long as they can remember. While their paths briefly diverged, their journey ultimately led them back to where it all began.

But their road to Nebraska wasn’t a direct one.

After high school, both committed to the University of Arkansas, drawn to the challenge of competing in the SEC.

After two seasons, though, the pull of home became impossible to ignore.

“It was definitely an extremely hard decision to leave Arkansas,” Hannah says. “We enjoyed our time there and had a lot of great teammates and experiences. But when we had two years left of college softball, we started thinking about how we wanted to spend them. And being closer to home, surrounded by our family and friends, was really important to us.”

So, they entered the transfer portal, unsure of what was ahead. The process was fast-moving and chaotic, but when Nebraska reached out, it felt like an easy choice.

They had grown up in the stands of Bowlin Stadium, attending Nebraska camps and cheering for the Huskers. Coming back to Nebraska was like coming full circle.

Starting Side by Side

It’s not uncommon for people to mix up the Camenzinds. They’ve been called the wrong name countless times, but they’ve embraced their twin identity, using it to their advantage from an early age.

As their skills developed, so did their dreams of playing beyond high school.

“When we were around 14 is when we realized that college softball was in our future,” Lauren says.

Seeing collegiate scouts in the stands at travel games confirmed what they had already started to believe—they had something special.

“We started sending emails and our schedules to people and going to lots of camps,” Hannah says. “I’d say it’s a two-way street. They’d come watch you play, and if they liked what you were doing, you’d go to camps and kind of see how it went from there."

A Bond That Runs Deep

Playing together has always been part of their story, but they never wanted to force it.

“We always said from the beginning, they either want both of us, or they don’t get either of us,” Lauren says. “But we always told each other we’re not going to force the other one to go somewhere if it doesn’t feel right.”

Arkansas was supposed to be that place. But after two seasons that didn’t go as planned, they knew it was time for a change.

The decision to transfer wasn’t about what went wrong—it was about finding what was right.

“At the end of the day,” Lauren says, “we have found a place that fits both of us, so we’re lucky to have that.”

Now in their junior season, they’ve continued to lean on each other, both on and off the field. Even when they’re not playing side by side, they find ways to connect—through quick conversations between pitches or moments in the dugout.

“We talk a lot, especially when it comes to hitting,” Hannah says. “Having that connection and understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses is a huge advantage. We know how to push each other and hold each other accountable.”

Beyond the Game

Softball has shaped their journey, but it’s not their only passion.

Hannah is majoring in child, youth, and family studies and hopes to pursue a coaching career.

Lauren, a broadcast journalism major, dreams of becoming a sideline reporter.

“Sports have always been a part of my life, and I’m a big talker, so my parents were like, ‘Maybe you should just go for it.’ So, I did,” Lauren says. “Now that I’ve been around it for a little while, I just think it’s pretty awesome how you’re able to tell an athlete’s story, even if it’s just from a 30-second hit or whatever it is. I just think that’s so cool.”

For Hannah, her career path became clear through her own experience in college athletics.

“In my first year at Arkansas, I actually started out as a business major, so I was not sure what I wanted to do,” she says. “I’ve always loved the game, but being in college athletics and seeing how much the game has grown, I realized that coaching is something I would love to do.”

Finding Their Place at Nebraska

As they look ahead to their remaining time in a Husker uniform, Lauren and Hannah are grateful for the opportunity to play in front of the fans they grew up with. They’re proud to represent their home state and be part of a program that continues to elevate women’s athletics.

“I think what Nebraska volleyball has done, in particular, is absolutely incredible, and I think that the support they get and how they’ve built their brand just helps the rest of the women’s sports teams,” Lauren says. “It’s amazing to be part of a community that values and supports women’s athletics.”

For them, playing at Nebraska is about more than just finishing their college careers—it’s about inspiring the next generation.

They know young girls are in the stands at Bowlin Stadium, just like they once were, dreaming of wearing a Husker uniform.

They want those girls to see that anything is possible with hard work, belief, and perseverance.

As they continue their journey, they’re ready for whatever comes next.

Together, they are a force—on the field, in the dugout, and in the moments that don’t make the highlight reel.

And whenever the twins step onto the field, Hannah and Lauren know they are exactly where they’re meant to be.

They’re home.