A wave of former Duke women's soccer players is reshaping professional soccer, as ten alumni now find themselves on rosters across the National Women's Soccer League and beyond.
Domestic Dominance
Kat Rader has burst onto the scene, sharing the rookie scoring lead with four goals, while Devin Lynch tops the rookie tackle chart in the USL Super League. Carina Lageyre has started each of the last four matches for Angel City FC, Hannah Bebar has started all 11 matches for Bay FC this season, and Maggie Graham signed a multi‑year contract extension with the Houston Dash through 2029. Michelle Cooper set the NWSL record for the fastest goal in league history, and Ella Hase has started eight of the nine matches she has played this term.
Global Reach
Lily Nabet helped lead Carolina Ascent FC to the championship match of the USL Super League, while Sophie Jones was named team captain for Sporting Club Jacksonville's inaugural season. Quinn scored the first goal in Northern Super League history, and Kayla McKenna has contributed nine goals in 17 matches for Grasshopper Club Zurich. Toni Payne has appeared in 19 matches for Everton this season, illustrating a global footprint that stretches from Zurich to Liverpool, from Vancouver to Durham.
These stories are not isolated; they reflect a broader trend of Duke’s soccer program producing leaders who excel both on and off the pitch. Their achievements are celebrated by Duke University, the National Women’s Soccer League, United Soccer Coaches and U.S. Soccer, institutions that together chronicle a legacy of excellence.