Celebrating the Classes of 2021 and 2022
Saturday is the final home game for our two outstanding graduating classes. Because we didn't get to celebrate our class of 2021 in person we want to honor those four excellent young women as they pursue master's degrees at Duke as well as the stellar group of five set to graduate this coming May. Each of them has been instrumental in the program's success during their time here, which included three NCAA Tournaments and countless memories.
THE SENIOR CLASS OF 2022
The 2021 senior class has experienced a unique past couple of seasons: enduring an ongoing pandemic as well as assuming the task of returning to play with a group of underclassmen who have never completed the rigorous Division I seasonal 'grind'. Their patience and resilience have been critical in creating team growth and improvement through such challenges. Their individual and collective efforts will forever be recognized.Pam Bustin on the Class of 2022
A native of Virginia Beach, Leah Crouse has excelled on and off the field throughout her four seasons as a Blue Devil. She most recently helped the U.S. U22 National Team qualify for the Junior World Cup, taking bronze at at the Junior Pan American Championship. A 2019 All-ACC second team pick, Leah is a three-time NFHCA National Academic Squad and ACC Academic Honor Roll recipient among other academic honors. She has played in 63 career games with 40 starts and currently ranks 39th in Duke history with 52 career points. Leah will graduate in May with a degree in biology.
Thoroughbreds don’t come around too often, and Duke field hockey has had the benefit of Leah’s skills and athleticism. Her commitment to her craft and to her development as an elite field hockey player has lifted her game to the next level. Thank you for your investment in and for representing Duke True.Head Coach Pam Bustin
Hailing from Sugar Land, Texas, Caroline Hanan has been a steadying force in the Blue Devils backfield during her career. Playing in 71 career games with 29 starting assignments, Caroline has helped Duke post 18 shutouts over the past four seasons, while recording one assist. She is a three-time NFHCA National Academic Squad and ACC Academic Honor Roll member and garnered NFHCA Scholar of Distinction honors in 2018. She will graduate in May with a degree in neuroscience.
Thank you for your intense, no drama approach to the game. Caroline’s consistent preparation and desire to bring her best to the field each day is greatly appreciated, and never overlooked. Chan’s coachability over the past four years has been refreshing and is evident in her continued level of elite play. Thank you for being a Duke Blue Devil!Head Coach Pam Bustin
A three-time NFHCA Academic Team and ACC Academic Honor Roll selection, Grace Kim has been an instrumental part of Duke's defense during her career. She has played in 60 career games and started 45 of those. Her intensity on the field has helped the Blue Devils post 18 shutouts over the past four seasons. Grace will graduate in May with a degree in sociology with a focus in global health.
Grace’s incredible competitive nature has rebooted this program and has led the team culture to where it is today. Her consistent commitment to improvement has made her a staple in the backfield and a defensive force on game day. I thank you for your diligence and courage to help bring positive change.Head Coach Pam Bustin
A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Olivia Sahaydak has had an excellent career as both a field hockey player and building into a team leader. She has played in 62 career games and has scored 16 goals and handed out one assist. She is a three-time member of the NFHCA National Academic squad and ACC Academic Honor Roll and will graduate in May with a degree in psychology and political science.
In addition to Olivia’s lethal backhand shot, her personal evolution within the hockey program has been admirable. She has matured into a leader who possesses a balanced perspective on life and sport and is opened to sharing her experiences with her teammates and coaches. Her positive approach to our time spent together is refreshing and absolutely aids in the daily growth process of our team. I am confident that Olivia will continue to bring her energy and open disposition to whatever she chooses to do in her life. Thank you for all you bring to Duke True!Head Coach Pam Bustin
Noor came to Durham, North Carolina from Belgium and has been a consistent presence as a forward during her career. She is one of the most experienced members of the class playing in 72 career games with 30 starting assignment. She owns eight goals and two assists for 18 points in four seasons. She will graduate in May with a degree in economics.
After adjusting to life in a new country and experiencing the collegiate sporting culture, Noor has been a consistent presence on our forward line. Her stick skills and ability to strike the ball has created a dangerous threat to opponents’ defenses. She is a beloved teammate and eternal member of the Duke True field hockey family. Thank you for a special four years!Head Coach Pam Bustin
THE GRADUATE CLASS OF 2021
The 2021 graduate class has been absolutely golden in bringing a level of experience, grit, and composure to our 2021 fall squad. Together they created a consistent force to the field as well as the locker room. Their ability to lead by example is impressive and has had a great effect on our underclassmen. Their efforts and genuine passion for the game are incredibly appreciated.Pam Bustin on the Graduate Student Class of 2021
A native of North Andover, Massachusetts, Lexi Davidson has been a critical piece to Duke field hockey throughout her five seasons. She has started in 72 of her 77 career games and currently leads the Blue Devils in scoring. Lexi owns seven goals and 10 assists for 24 points in her career and has helped the Blue Devils post 25 shutouts. A two-time NFHCA National Academic Squad selection and a three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member, Lexi will earn her Master of Management Studies degree in May.
Thank you, Lexi, for your continued development and bringing your best to the field each day. Her experience and skill has been a critical part of our successes this season. There is no doubt that this “extra” season will have a lasting positive effect on all of Lexi’s future endeavors.Head Coach Pam Bustin
Joining the Blue Devil family following a stellar career at Princeton, MaryKate was an incredible addition to the team in her one season. She started every game for the Blue Devils and ranks second on the team in scoring. Overall in her collegiate field hockey career, MaryKate has started all but one game. She will graduate with a Master of Management Studies degree in May.
MK has been such a wonderful addition to our on-field team and overall culture. Her diligence and work ethic are commendable and has undoubtedly influenced the competitive edge of this group. Although her time here has been short, your great impact will be long lasting. Thank you!Head Coach Pam Bustin
Hailing from the Netherlands, Duke was lucky enough to have Eva Nunnink as a part of its hockey family for two seasons. She has started every game for the Blue Devils in her two seasons and has four goals and three assists for 11 points. An All-ACC first team pick in 2020, Eva also was a NFHCA National Academic Squad and ACC Honor Roll recipient. She will earn a second master's degree in May as she completes her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies.
Thank you for choosing to return for another year! Eva continues to establish herself as a dedicated, reliable teammate which has earned her an important leadership role within the team; on and off the field. Eva’s leadership and play have a positive impact on this team as we continue to build and improve our team game. Thank you for stepping up and accepting this role!Head Coach Pam Bustin
Duke's most experienced player of the group, Lily Posternak has played in an incredible 93 games over the course of her career and started 66 of those. She has six goals and 12 assists for 24 points in her career and has excelled off the field as well as a four-time ACC honor roll member and a three-time NFHCA National Academic Squad recipient. She graduates in May with her Master of Management Studies degree.
Thank you for continuing to contribute to this team and program. This fifth year has provided a season for Lily to “just play”…and she certainly has played! Lily has played harder and smarter than ever and has been a joy to coach and to cheer on. I cannot imagine this 2021 fall without Lily Posternak, and I am so grateful she has remained with Duke as she completes her MMS grad degree.Head Coach Pam Bustin