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Duke University Athletics

For my fall semester senior year of college, I served as a Communications and Creative Services Intern at Duke Athletics, where I played a key role in both content creation and media coordination. My responsibilities span a wide range of tasks, including transcribing quotes from press conferences, sending out weekly reports, and developing digital programs for home events. 

I worked closely with staff to identify engaging human-interest stories and contributed to writing and editing efforts for various media pieces. In addition to her communications duties, I collaborated with the Creative Services team to tag photos, brainstorm social media content, capture live event footage, and update digital signage. 

I also helped maintain the accuracy of Duke’s historical records and scheduling information. Through my diverse skill set and proactive approach, I significantly contributed to the storytelling and outreach efforts of Duke Athletics!

As the 2024 season approaches, the Duke's women's soccer team is on a mission to bounce back stronger, smarter, and more determined than ever. Last season may not have ended as they hoped, but the Blue Devils are laser-focused on rewriting their narrative this year.

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 Duke football head coach Manny Diaz announces that Aaron Hall, Jordan Moore, Maalik Murphy, and Justin Pickett will serve as team captains for the upcoming 2024 season.

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The Duke baseball program added nine transfers to the 2024-25 team, head coach Chris Pollard announced: 

  • Ben Rounds - Harvard

  • Jake Hyde - Georgetown

  • Mark Hindy - William & Mary

  • Nick Dipietrantonio - Princeton

  • Jake Berger - Harvard

  • Reid Easterly - Yale

  • Ryan Calvert - UNCW

  • Marcello Mastroianni - Georgetown

  • Gavin Brown - Tufts University

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Freshman Mary Long, a rising star on the Duke women's soccer team, recently represented the U.S. Under-17 Women's Youth National Team. She shares her excitement and pride in playing for her country on the global stage.

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Ellie Coleman's junior year of college tennis was poised for success, as she had already achieved impressive feats on the court and was one of the hottest Blue Devils on the court — until an unexpected injury derailed everything.  For many athletes, a season-ending injury is the ultimate test of resolve, and for Coleman, it was a challenge like no other.
 

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Duke Women's Soccer team has welcomed several new additions to their roster this season, each making valuable contributions to their successful 2024 campaign. A standout among them is Ella Hase, a fifth-year transfer from Northwestern. The skilled forward has brought vital energy and depth to the squad, playing a key role in the Blue Devils' strong performance so far. However, the forward role wasn't originally a part of her plan.

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Sophomore Cameron Roller's path to Duke has been defined by dedication and resilience. Despite long training commutes and overcoming injuries, her determination never faltered. Now a key defensive leader, Roller plays a pivotal role in anchoring the Blue Devils' backline, pushing the team to reach new heights.

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Growing up in the sports-centric town of Chapel Hill, Mia Oliaro was initially immersed in a completely different athletic world. Her first introduction to competitive sports wasn't through soccer, rather swimming. However, by high school her soccer talent was undeniable. Yet, despite her fast rise, Oliaro remained grounded, fueled by a deep love for the game, the support of her family, and the lessons imparted by a legendary mentor and familiar face: Carla Overbeck.

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For Devin Lynch, this season has been nothing short of exhilarating. Not only has the team been thriving on the field, but for Lynch personally, it's been a period of growth and fulfillment. After coming off the bench early in the season, an injury to a teammate opened up an opportunity for her to step into a more prominent role — a moment she has seized with enthusiasm and confidence.

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For Kelly Wilson, Duke University was more than just a dream school — a second home long before she set foot on campus as a student-athlete. As the youngest of five Wilson siblings, two of whom wore royal blue and another, Bryn, attended Duke, Wilson's love for Duke grew from those early visits to Koskinen Stadium, where she first felt the family atmosphere that has since shaped her journey.

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After a whirlwind weekend at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Regionals in Chapel Hill, two Duke tennis players – Eleana Yu and Irina Balus -- have clinched their spots in the NCAA Individual Singles Championship.
 
For both student-athletes, it's a significant moment in their young careers, as they prepare to compete at the prestigious tournament in Waco, Texas, from Nov. 18-24.

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This past weekend's trip to the West Coast was about more than just adding a couple more wins to Duke women's soccer's record. For goalkeeper Leah Freeman, it was a meaningful homecoming.
Hailing from the Bay Area, Freeman had the special opportunity to play in front of friends and family, while also hosting her teammates in her hometown. With the Blue Devils clinching two crucial ACC victories, the trip was a success both on and off the field for Freeman.

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Balancing a rigorous academic lifestyle on top of a rigorous athletic program can be seen as nearly impossible for many.

For those who truly put their minds and best efforts into taking on both of these factors are hard to find, but these student-athletes are not all that impossible to find.
 
Katie Groff fits this mold.

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At Duke, you’re likely to spot a field hockey player—or a group of them—on campus. The Duke field hockey program radiates unity and authenticity, creating a contagious positive environment.

 

This atmosphere begins with the coaching staff and flows through the captains, guiding the team both on and off the field. Senior captain Megan Maransky takes pride in fostering this team dynamic.

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Mia Minestrella's road to recovery hasn't been an easy one, marked by a serious medical condition that could have sidelined her permanently.
 
But her story is one of incredible resilience, perseverance, and the determination to not just return to the game she loves but to thrive in it once again.

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With the ACC Women's Soccer Championship bracket freshly announced, No. 1 seed Duke (14-1-1) stands at the pinnacle of the conference.
Concluding their regular season undefeated for only the third time in program history, the Blue Devils posted a near-perfect 9-0-1 record in ACC play and an impressive 14-1-1 overall ledger.
The team's recent road victories against top-10 opponents showcase not only their skill but also a cohesion and culture that are redefining the program's legacy.

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The Duke women's soccer team is making headlines in 2024, thanks in no small part to the incredible impact of four first-year transfers.

Farrah Walters, Hannah Bebar, Mia Oliaro, and Ella Hase have seamlessly integrated into the squad, combining for 68 starts, 4,876 minutes, 16 goals, 31 assists, and five game-winning goals. Their contributions have been instrumental in propelling Duke to a stellar season, both on and off the field

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