Mourning the Loss
Laurel “Lo” Stender, 42, of Ridgecrest, CA, passed away on June 7, 2024, in Tulare County, California while canyoneering near the Kern River. She was born on April 6, 1982 at Camp Pendleton, and grew up in Barstow California.
As the first shock and disbelief subside and we realize that our beloved 3CATA member from Cerro Coso Community College has transitioned from our world to eternity. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family as we honor her life, and hold her in fond memory.
Lo was everything a Community College Athletic Trainer should be. She was kind and soft spoken, yet held her line. She cared deeply about the wellbeing of her patients, whether they were members of her Coyote Family or visiting student athletes. Every student and coach who has come in contact with Lo always came back talking about how awesome she is.
Her kind, composed nature and infectious smile made her very approachable. She was a light in our profession and in this world. Lo will be deeply missed far beyond the boundaries of Cerro Coso Community College, the Kern Community College District and the Inland Empire Athletic Conference. She has touched so many lives and shared so many smiles. The world truly is a better place because Lo walked on it.
Many of us are grateful that we got to see and hug Lo one last time at the beginning of this month during the inaugural 3CATA conference in Palm Springs.
We hope heaven has many adventures for Lo.
