WLAX Freshman Class Profile: Kat Zempolich

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke women's lacrosse head coach Kerstin Kimel welcomed the addition of 10 players to the Blue Devil program this fall, with nine freshmen and one transfer student joining the squad for the 2015 campaign.

Check back to GoDuke.com throughout the coming months for profiles on each of the incoming Blue Devils, and be sure to follow the team all year on Twitter and Facebook.

Kat Zempolich
Defense l Clifton, Va. l Centreville

Prior to Duke: Zempolich comes to Durham from Centreville High School in Clifton, Va., where she was a three-time all-district first team pick. She earned a spot on the all-region team three times and played club lacrosse for the Capital Girls Lacrosse Club. Zempolich also collected US Lacrosse Academic All-America accolades during her prep career.

What is your favorite lacrosse memory?
KZ: My sophomore year we beat our school's biggest rival on Senior Night and it was one of the best feelings in the world.

Why did you choose Duke?
KZ: I chose Duke because the moment my father introduced me to the campus I fell in love. Duke has felt like home to me since I began my journey to play collegiate lacrosse. Along with my commitment to academics, Duke was a perfect match.

What are your goals for your collegiate career?
KZ: My goals for my collegiate career are to be the best player and teammate I can be and to win a national championship.

Who has had the biggest impact on your life?
KZ: My mother, Mary. She has been my rock in all aspects of my life whether it be sports, social or academics - she is always there for me and always is pushing me to chase after my dreams. She's a large part of the reason I am here today.

Quick Hitters:
Favorite athlete: Jackie Perry
Hobbies: Dancing or playing the air guitar
Favorite movie: She's the Man
Favorite musician: T-Pain or Billy Joel
Favorite food: Wings with ranch
Pre-game ritual/superstition: I don't necessarily have any superstitions but I definitely listen to my iPod before every game, either classic rock or 90's pop, and I have a dance party.
What do you plan to major in? Hopefully history. I'm undecided at the moment but I want to be doing something I love.
If you were to play another sport, what would it be? Field hockey
Hidden talent: I know the lyrics to almost every song
Best advice you've received: “Take it one day at a time.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself being successful, doing something I love and not regretting a single memory of my time spent at Duke.
Best place lacrosse has taken you: Florida

To be a part of the Duke women's lacrosse program is … a dream. I never take any moment I get for granted. Whether it be in the locker room, on the field or just hanging out with teammates - I have been given an amazing opportunity in which I can't thank my family, friends and the coaching staff enough for allowing me to live out.

#GoDuke