Review a Chat With Women's Lacrosse Coach Kerstin Kimel

Chat with Kerstin Kimel, Thursday, April 6, 2 pm
Hosted By Total Sports & GoDuke.com

Jack Miller asks What is the best thing about being a coach? What's the most difficult part about coaching?
By far the best part are the relationships you build with your players as they progress through their career. This is what makes coaching the most rewarding profession that exists. The toughest part about coaching is that often times you have to teach your players life lessons that many times they have to learn the hard way in order to grow as a player and person in your program.
Jason Neely asks How big was it for your team this year knowing that you had reached the Final Four last year? What did you learn from that experience that might help you this year?
What was great about making the Final Four last year was that it gave us confidence that we could make it this year. What we forget physically, mentally and emotionally was how hard it was to get there. In the last two weeks, our team has learned what needs to be done on a game to game basis to get us back there.
Erica Miller asks Who is your toughest opponent at this point? What do you need to improve on before the ACC tournament?
Every next opponent is our toughest opponent. Virginia is our next opponent who we've never beaten or played well against. We need to improve on shooting, our full and half field presses as well as our transitional defense as well as controlling the ball off of the draw.
Greg Richardson asks Did you schedule games after the ACC tournament to keep your team fresh for the NCAA tournament? How do you feel your team will do in the ACC and NCAA tournament?
It is typical that we play games after the ACC tournament because the NCAA tournament doesn't begin until May 11th. At Duke we try to schedule difficult games after the ACC tournament in preparation for the NCAA tournament.
Pete Carey asks What do you think of the relatively new offsides rule in women's lax? I think that it opens up the game an prevents the "cluster zone" of the former system.
I totally agree with you 100%. I feel the restraining line has allowed our attack to be much more creative. It has forced our defenders to play good 1V1 defense.
Sara Dodson asks What has been the most difficult part in starting and maintaining the women's lacrosse program? Keep up the great work, coach!
The hardest part was starting from scratch. We had to teach the players how to be leaders and part of a team. We had to team them what it took to win as well as teaching them to play. At this point, the most difficult part is determining what our players need the most and determining what it will take to keep success.
Brad Miller asks What brought you to coaching? What made to decide to come to Duke and start up the program?
I decided to coach after coaching with Cindy Timshaw's camps. Cindy was my coach at Maryland. My first coaching job was at Davidson college which is a great school but lacked the support for a top level program that Duke could offer. When I was offered the position at Duke, how could I say no.
Stephen Harrison asks Since beginning the program in 1996, what do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Building a program at a tremendous school where we are able to attract the best players, I don't feel that is something that can be overshadowed by anything. Second, being able to go to the 1999 Final Four would be another accomplishment.
Summer Johnson asks What is the most important thing that you stress with your athletes?
We stress that academics are their first priorities. The second priority is to be the best lacrosse player as possible and play as apart of a team. Finally, first and foremost we are a team. We win and lose together. We take care of each other on and off the field.
Kevin Schmidt asks Where do you see your team in the tournaments this year?
It's really hard to say at this point because we have such difficult games. That could determine where we fall in the tournament. Our hope would to earn a top four seed which would earn us a bye in the first round so that we could host a second round game on graduation day for our seniors.
Barb Johansenson asks How does it feel to have accomplished so much in so little time at Duke? Do you feel like the women's lacrosse program has earned respect in the Duke community?
I think we have been able to achieve success quickly because Duke is a phenomenal school for the athletes it attracts. I do feel as if the community acknowledges that we are a good program. However, I do feel like we could have more fans at our games.
Sparky Mortimer asks Do you think you can make it to the Final Four again this year?
I think we can make it to the Final Four this year if we can continue to improve and stay tough. I think this team can accomplish anything once they set their minds to it.
Bonnie Searight asks Hey Coach, great team! where did you learn to play the game and how did you become a great player?
I didn't start playing until ninth grade which is late for someone in the Philadelphia area. I learned from my coach and friends. My father encouraged me to play lacrosse. I don't think it is a difficult sport to play if you're a great athlete. I worked really hard throughout high school and college. I did what my coaches asked. I give them credit for the player I've become.
Barbara Dare asks Coach Kimel, I have two daughters that want to play lacrosse. Where can I find information on where they can play and how to play the game?
If you're from this area, you can contact Joyce Bailey at (919) 933-4633. She is in charge of the Triangle area lacrosse team. If you are not from this area, call our office and we will help you contact someone from your area.
Billy Smith asks Hi Coach, can you assess your chances for winning it all this year?
This is definitely our most talented team. There is much parity in Division I this year. We can't be in a position to take anything for granted this year. If our team stays focused on playing Duke lacrosse in each game and stick to our game plans, then we should have as good a chance as any team. We still have alot to improve on if we want to be able to fulfill that goal.
Jenny Cray asks Hi Coach, what should I be working on so that I can one day become a member of your team?
As a player, you can work on all parts of your game such as stick skills, shooting, defense. A good way to practice is to catch and throw against the wall. Have a friend or sibling feed you balls. Go to camps and college games to see how the game is played at that level.
Sally Mason asks Hi Coach, what are some of the activities at the summer camp?
We spend most of the morning on skills. In the afternoon, we spend time on skill and in competition. They can swim or tour the campus or bookstore. The evening, they have team competition. They have lots of opportunities to have lots of fun.

Review a Chat With Women's Lacrosse Coach Kerstin Kimel

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