Duke Freshmen Influence Women’s Soccer, Men’s Basketball Season Starts

The 2025 Duke women's soccer team benefits from the strong bond among freshmen who have played together extensively in the U.S. youth national team system, easing their transition to collegiate play. Duke's field hockey team secured a 2-0 victory over Old Dominion, with standout performances including multiple goals from a senior player, marking the program's seventh shutout of the season. In the NBA, several Duke men's basketball alumni, including recent rookies like Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg, began their professional careers with varied performances, showcasing promising talent from the university. The Duke football team is using its bye week to regroup after a tough loss, with confidence from coach Manny Diaz in the team's ability to bounce back, led by freshman running back Nate Sheppard, who has surpassed expectations with strong early-season stats. Duke men's basketball is showing potential despite some early inconsistencies, highlighted by the strong debut of Cameron Boozer and the promising improvement of his twin brother Cayden, both considered top prospects for future NBA drafts. Overall, Duke's athletic programs across multiple sports demonstrate a mix of emerging talent and experienced leadership, contributing to competitive seasons and promising futures.