#DukeWLAX20th Spotlight: Kate Kaiser Kasabula

As the Duke women's lacrosse program celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2015-16, GoDuke.com will be catching up with several Blue Devil alumnae to highlight memories from their collegiate careers and the paths they've taken to success in their professional fields. Look for the profiles throughout the year, and be sure to check out the 20th Anniversary landing page at goduke.com/wlax20th for more information.

Kate Kaiser Kasabula, 1999-03
A four-time All-American midfielder for the Blue Devils, Kasabula was tabbed the ACC Rookie of the Year in 1999 and went on to lead Duke in scoring her sophomore and junior seasons. As a junior in 2001, she was selected a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy. She missed the entire 2002 season after suffering a torn ACL, but returned as a redshirt senior in 2003 to score 38 goals and guide the squad to a 13-5 record. An All-ACC and All-South Region selection on multiple occasions, Kasabula remains the program leader in ground balls (210) and caused turnovers (142). The Cockeysville, Md., native was an economics major at Duke and earned a certificate in Markets and Management Studies before going on to receive her MBA at Loyola (Md.). She also helped the U.S. women's national team reach the title game at the 2005 IFWLA World Cup and was later inducted into the U.S. Lacrosse Greater Baltimore Chapter Hall of Fame. Kasabula currently works for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens as the Director of Client Services within the Corporate Sales Department.

GoDuke.com: What are some of your favorite lacrosse memories from your time at Duke?
Kate Kasabula: My favorite memories were the time we spent together off the field. We all lived so close to each other that when we graduated I missed being able to walk next door and spend time with my friends. I also used to love our stretching circles prior to practice – we'd laugh about things that had happened, talk about boyfriends and anything else deemed “important”, like our social calendar since cell phones and texting were not what they are today. I also laugh now about how “early” 7 a.m. morning practice was!

GoDuke.com: What lessons did you take with you from your time on and off the field?
KK: After a season-ending injury, I was forced to watch instead of play for the first time in my playing career. The experience made me a better student of the game and appreciate the commitment it takes to be successful as I rehabbed from my injury. The experience also taught me that leadership can go beyond the actions on a field for a team.

Off the field, was simply to appreciate the opportunity Duke provided to me. I realized my education and experience at an institution like Duke is a privilege. What has stuck with me is not to take things for granted.

GoDuke.com: Who were some teammates that influenced you?
KK: A person that comes to mind is Karen Sutton. She was a fifth-year senior my freshman year and taught me what it takes to be a great leader. She set a tone and was a guiding force for the culture of our program. I continue to be influenced by her today.

So many of my teammates inspired me in a variety of ways and continue to inspire me now with their post-collegiate achievements. What always stood out to me were the teammates who had an uncompromising passion for the game. These people practiced hard every day and pushed us to be better. I admired their dedication and commitment.

GoDuke.com: How did your education prepare you for your professional career?
KK: I learned how to balance my life and manage my time. As a student-athlete, time is limited and managing all the commitments and responsibilities in college certainly prepared me for my career.

Duke challenged me. My education helped teach me how to persevere when you are challenged. I was constantly stretched and was able to do more than I ever expected was possible.

GoDuke.com: How did you become interested in pursuing a career in sports?
KK: I was an economics major, but after taking some marketing and advertising classes and completing a summer internship with the Ravens, I thought that a job in sports marketing would be an ideal career for me. I was fortunate there was an opening at the Ravens after I graduated and the rest is history!

GoDuke.com: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
KK: I am lucky to work with great people. Some of my closest friends today are co-workers. Like my lacrosse experience, my co-workers have made me a better professionally and personally.

Each day is different. Our customer's needs and wants are constantly changing. How people follow and engage with their favorite teams has changed a great deal since I started and it has been a fun ride keeping up.

GoDuke.com: What have been some keys to reaching the level of success you are at now?
KK: Start with exceeding expectations and being consistent. Don't be complacent. Identify problems and offer solutions and your time to making improvements.

GoDuke.com: What advice would you give to current or future student-athletes?
KK: Explore all that Duke has to offer. Enjoy your team but extend yourself in the larger institution. It's easy to get wrapped up with lacrosse and courses. There is so much more Duke offers. Explore those opportunities to make the most of their time on campus.

GoDuke.com: Any other interests or fun facts we should know about?
KK: I am married to Brian, who sat in the cube next to me at the Ravens for two years while we dated. We have two kids, Connor (2) and Caroline (born June 11^th). Fun fact - Connor was due on Super Bowl Sunday in 2013, the year the Ravens won the Super Bowl. We didn't travel to New Orleans for the game, but I did go to the Super Bowl parade at 40+ weeks pregnant! I also had the opportunity to go to the White House and do have a Super Bowl ring (same one as the players!). When I'm not chasing my kids, I love to spend summers in Bethany Beach and coach my niece's youth lacrosse team in the spring. On Sundays in the fall, I like watching and attending football games. My job has also given me the opportunity to visit many stadiums, 19 of the 32 NFL venues with two more for the list in 2015.

I also live and work in Terrapin country, so when the Blue Devils and Terps would square off in men's basketball, my former boss and I had a friendly wagers where the loser would have to wear the winner's school t-shirt/sweatshirt the next day in the office. I enjoyed watching my boss wear Duke blue the majority of the time.

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