Klunder Sisters win Grand Valley State, Spring Arbor University National Titles On Same Day

Winning a national championship in a team sport is tough. It takes a combination of skill, team chemistry, and even a little bit of good fortune. Having two family members win a national championship? Almost never happens. Having two family members win national championships within 30 miles of each other so as to allow the parents to attend both games? You're more likely to encounter someone who doesn't like cake (and who doesn't love cake?). And yet, this is exactly what happened when the Klunder sisters, Katie and Sarah, took to the soccer field this past week in Florida. Their parents were pleased.

"When we found out Division II was going to be in Pensacola, we got out a map and said, 'Oh, my word. Could this even ever happen?'" Lisa Klunder said, via mlive.com.

It did.

The day began in Pensacola with elder sister Katie, a senior midfielder for Grand Valley State, who started her final collegiate game in her teams 2-0 victory over Columbus State. From there, the parents gave their daughter a hug, grabbed a donut to refuel (presumably), and hopped in the car to drive some 27 miles to Orange Beach where daughter Sarah, a sophomore midfielder for Spring Arbor, was also able to claim the title of best in the nation. She picked up a few assists, too.

"We cheered, gave a quick hug to her senior daughter and I was literally changing my sweatshirts in the car," said Lisa Klunder, via mlive.com. "Off with Grand Valley, on with Spring Arbor, change the baseball hats. It was all worth it."

Not only was it a great moment for the parents, but it was pretty neat for the sisters, too. Because of the close proximity of the tournaments, Sarah, and her entire Spring Arbor team, were able to watch Katie's Lakers play in the semifinal.

"I couldn't help but cry because I was so excited to see her," said Sarah, via mlive.com. "We've been best friends since we were little."

Although, Sarah pointed out it was probably even better for her parents.

"It was just great and super lucky to have them both," she said. "But really I think the most important thing was that it was my sister's last year, and to have them see her win that was super special."

Special indeed. And, according to Katie, "a great day to be a Klunder."