Kimel’s Leadership: Alumni
3/9/2021 12:45:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
DURHAM, N.C. – The COVID-19 pandemic has been a series of unknowns for the last 11 months, but one thing that has stayed constant has been the leadership of head coach Kerstin Kimel on and off the field.
Kimel has stayed in constant communication not only with her current players and staff, but also with alumni and parents throughout the pandemic. In this stressful and busy time, communication could easily fall off, but Kimel continues to go above and beyond as a coach, leader and a mother.
This week, we look at what some of our former Duke women's lacrosse players had to say.
"'If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.'
Ker had a way of coaching to the details- that it was less about the outcome and more about how to approach the process of it all. It taught us how to focus on the attitude we have going into things, regardless of the outside circumstances."
-Jessica Adam '09
"Every young woman, me included, that commits to play Duke Lacrosse for Ker gravely underestimates the incredible impact that doing so will have on her own life. We didn't just sign up to play Division I lacrosse, we signed up to grow, change, and discover our true potential, and that is all thanks to Kerstin. Ker uses the sport to impart the best of life's lessons and build strong women. Her steadfast leadership over the past 25 years has empowered hundreds of young women and the last 12 months have been no different. At a time when life was and still is the most uncertain, Kerstin's strength and direction has provided immense solace. We are forever in debt to her for her immense investment in each and every one of us, not just as lacrosse players, but as humans."
-Stuart Humphrey '17
"Ker's ability to successfully navigate the COVID-19 era in college sports is a testament to her incredible ability to communicate, schedule, and lead her team. She, and the outstanding staff at Duke Athletics, have shown a powerful commitment to the safety of the student-athletes."
-Betsey Sauer Duthe '10
"In a time when coaching becomes about so much more than just the Xs and Os, it is no surprise that Kerstin stands out. She has always cared about what happens off the field just as much as what happens on it, and she is no stranger to adapting to whatever the current situation demands. So, when the pandemic presented a whole new set of challenges, Kerstin led with grace under pressure, a clear message, and unwavering support on all cylinders. She put the health of the team first while still fighting to give them a chance to play the game they love and have the season they work so hard for, all while bringing the Duke lacrosse family along the journey. Exceptional times call for exceptional leaders, and Kerstin is just that."
-Hayley Shaffer '17
"After playing for Kerstin for four years, the thing I remember most vividly is her emphasis on excellence and developing the team as individuals off the field. Kerstin cares so deeply about her players and where they are in life."
-Claire Scarrone '16
"One thing I appreciate about Kerstin is how dedicated she is and always has been to the program. She will never be outworked as a coach. Looking back, I think that really influenced my mindset and work ethic as a player and inspired our whole team to put in the time and work necessary to compete at the highest level. "
-Katie Chrest (Erbe) '06
"This isn't lacrosse related, but speaks to Ker's leadership, investment in her former players, and just all-around selflessness. I had a baby March 22, 2020 - at the beginning of Covid's peak - born at 30 weeks 6 days. We were in the NICU for 75 days with very restrictive rules and guidelines (only one parent visitor per day and that's it - pretty isolating). I remain so incredibly thankful and awe-struck at the concern, support, encouragement and love that Kerstin showed me during that period. At a point in time where she was in the midst of her season being canceled, dealing with the inevitable chaos and emotions of her current players as the pandemic started to balloon out of control, and of course taking care of her own family - she made it a point to reach out to me many times and keep tabs on our progress and status in the hospital. Of course, I will never forget her leadership as a coach during my time as a player on her team (the class of '08 went to four Final Fours in our career and formed lifelong, incredibly special friendships), but I felt her leadership went above and beyond the call of duty with how she supported me as a Duke Lacrosse alumna this past spring, with so much love and empathy."
-Rachel Shack '08
"Kerstin has been my paramount mentor as I navigated not only college but also my professional career in collegiate coaching for the past 10 years. She is ever accessible, authentic, and quick to lend an ear no matter what is going on in her own life. When the pandemic hit, she not only exemplified how to lead Duke Women's Lacrosse, but she also helped me lead my own team through the unknown. Just last week I spoke with her about shifting issues in collegiate lacrosse and my own world, and as per usual, she made me feel supported, loved, and strong. On and off the field, Kerstin has empowered me to be the best version of myself. I got into coaching because of her, and much of my own style mirrors the way she led me and my teammates to two Final Fours and countless memories along the way. She is truly one of a kind!"
-Christie Kaestner '11
"Kerstin is a true Wartime leader, I got to see it first hand during the trials of 2006 and have witnessed it once again over the course of this pandemic. She listens to her gut and acts with conviction, even while facts are constantly changing. She deeply cares for her players and is empathetic to what they are going through."
-Abigail Meyer (Quinzani) '08
"Kerstin is the most resilient leader I have had the fortune of playing for and coaching alongside. She has led courageously through many challenging times, especially over these past two decades. She propelled our team through the Duke Lacrosse controversy in 2006. She fearlessly took on being a working mother of three in a demanding profession. She courageously battled cancer. And she is currently piloting the current team through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has always kept the well-being of her student athletes at the forefront all while modeling to us all what it means to be a strong female leader."
-Kristen Waagbo (Skiera) '07
"I'm incredibly impressed by the way Kerstin has led her team through unforeseen challenges this past year. Ker's ability to stay organized, proactively communicate, and care for her players has gotten the team to where they are today. As an alum, I couldn't be prouder of the dedication Ker has shown and how well the team has responded to her leadership. I can't wait to watch Duke Lax compete this spring!"
-Meeghan Ford '07
Kerstin loves her job with a passion rarely seen. She cares for her colleagues, even ones she doesn't know. She cares for the school as if she was an alumnus. She cares about the game as if she never left the field. And she loves her team, as if they were each her family. She is constantly learning, tweaking, and making adjustments to the game plan, practice plan, and interactions with the individuals to make every day a little easier on those around her. The word servant leader truly embodies how she serves those around her every single day. Thanks for all you do Kerstin. It does not go unnoticed."
-Gabby Moise '15
"You'll learn a lot from Kerstin in your four years at Duke, but she'll quickly teach you to focus on the elements in your control, on and off the field. While this year may look different than ones in the past, Kerstin has the experience and leadership to guide the Blue Devils towards their goals despite the adversity they face competing in a global pandemic. I have no doubt this team will maintain resiliency and excel in the 2021 season and beyond."
- Izzy Montagne '17
"I consider myself extremely lucky to be a part of our Duke Women's Lacrosse Alumni board as a part of the communications sub-committee. I get to work closely with Kerstin on how to keep our alums connected to our current team, and these efforts did not end when last years season did. Kerstin used the time off the field to take advantage of our vast and impressive alumni network! We were able to set up 3-4 'Professional Development' zooms for the girls to meet alums in certain industries, such as tech, marketing & events, and sales (to name a few). The well-being of her players expands well beyond the confines of a field and extends after you graduate."
-Maddy Morrissey '14
"Ker deserves endless praise for her personal resilience, longstanding commitment to the Duke lacrosse program, and unwavering faith in her team, especially over the last 339 days. Through these hard times, she has proven that with her leadership, the 2021 Duke women's lacrosse team will continue to demonstrate their impressive character as individuals, raw talent as players, and natural cohesion as a team." I hope this is along the lines of what you guys are looking for. If not, please let me know and I will draft up something else. I have lots of good things to say about Ker!"
-Lindsey Reynolds '20
"Kerstin has the ability to steer the course amidst the turbulent, stormy sea of a COVID-19 Pandemic! She remained strategically optimistic and kept us alumnae informed of the next steps."
-Karen Sutton '99
#GoDuke
Kimel has stayed in constant communication not only with her current players and staff, but also with alumni and parents throughout the pandemic. In this stressful and busy time, communication could easily fall off, but Kimel continues to go above and beyond as a coach, leader and a mother.
This week, we look at what some of our former Duke women's lacrosse players had to say.
"'If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.'
Ker had a way of coaching to the details- that it was less about the outcome and more about how to approach the process of it all. It taught us how to focus on the attitude we have going into things, regardless of the outside circumstances."
-Jessica Adam '09
"Every young woman, me included, that commits to play Duke Lacrosse for Ker gravely underestimates the incredible impact that doing so will have on her own life. We didn't just sign up to play Division I lacrosse, we signed up to grow, change, and discover our true potential, and that is all thanks to Kerstin. Ker uses the sport to impart the best of life's lessons and build strong women. Her steadfast leadership over the past 25 years has empowered hundreds of young women and the last 12 months have been no different. At a time when life was and still is the most uncertain, Kerstin's strength and direction has provided immense solace. We are forever in debt to her for her immense investment in each and every one of us, not just as lacrosse players, but as humans."
-Stuart Humphrey '17
"Ker's ability to successfully navigate the COVID-19 era in college sports is a testament to her incredible ability to communicate, schedule, and lead her team. She, and the outstanding staff at Duke Athletics, have shown a powerful commitment to the safety of the student-athletes."
-Betsey Sauer Duthe '10
"In a time when coaching becomes about so much more than just the Xs and Os, it is no surprise that Kerstin stands out. She has always cared about what happens off the field just as much as what happens on it, and she is no stranger to adapting to whatever the current situation demands. So, when the pandemic presented a whole new set of challenges, Kerstin led with grace under pressure, a clear message, and unwavering support on all cylinders. She put the health of the team first while still fighting to give them a chance to play the game they love and have the season they work so hard for, all while bringing the Duke lacrosse family along the journey. Exceptional times call for exceptional leaders, and Kerstin is just that."
-Hayley Shaffer '17
"After playing for Kerstin for four years, the thing I remember most vividly is her emphasis on excellence and developing the team as individuals off the field. Kerstin cares so deeply about her players and where they are in life."
-Claire Scarrone '16
"One thing I appreciate about Kerstin is how dedicated she is and always has been to the program. She will never be outworked as a coach. Looking back, I think that really influenced my mindset and work ethic as a player and inspired our whole team to put in the time and work necessary to compete at the highest level. "
-Katie Chrest (Erbe) '06
"This isn't lacrosse related, but speaks to Ker's leadership, investment in her former players, and just all-around selflessness. I had a baby March 22, 2020 - at the beginning of Covid's peak - born at 30 weeks 6 days. We were in the NICU for 75 days with very restrictive rules and guidelines (only one parent visitor per day and that's it - pretty isolating). I remain so incredibly thankful and awe-struck at the concern, support, encouragement and love that Kerstin showed me during that period. At a point in time where she was in the midst of her season being canceled, dealing with the inevitable chaos and emotions of her current players as the pandemic started to balloon out of control, and of course taking care of her own family - she made it a point to reach out to me many times and keep tabs on our progress and status in the hospital. Of course, I will never forget her leadership as a coach during my time as a player on her team (the class of '08 went to four Final Fours in our career and formed lifelong, incredibly special friendships), but I felt her leadership went above and beyond the call of duty with how she supported me as a Duke Lacrosse alumna this past spring, with so much love and empathy."
-Rachel Shack '08
"Kerstin has been my paramount mentor as I navigated not only college but also my professional career in collegiate coaching for the past 10 years. She is ever accessible, authentic, and quick to lend an ear no matter what is going on in her own life. When the pandemic hit, she not only exemplified how to lead Duke Women's Lacrosse, but she also helped me lead my own team through the unknown. Just last week I spoke with her about shifting issues in collegiate lacrosse and my own world, and as per usual, she made me feel supported, loved, and strong. On and off the field, Kerstin has empowered me to be the best version of myself. I got into coaching because of her, and much of my own style mirrors the way she led me and my teammates to two Final Fours and countless memories along the way. She is truly one of a kind!"
-Christie Kaestner '11
"Kerstin is a true Wartime leader, I got to see it first hand during the trials of 2006 and have witnessed it once again over the course of this pandemic. She listens to her gut and acts with conviction, even while facts are constantly changing. She deeply cares for her players and is empathetic to what they are going through."
-Abigail Meyer (Quinzani) '08
"Kerstin is the most resilient leader I have had the fortune of playing for and coaching alongside. She has led courageously through many challenging times, especially over these past two decades. She propelled our team through the Duke Lacrosse controversy in 2006. She fearlessly took on being a working mother of three in a demanding profession. She courageously battled cancer. And she is currently piloting the current team through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has always kept the well-being of her student athletes at the forefront all while modeling to us all what it means to be a strong female leader."
-Kristen Waagbo (Skiera) '07
"I'm incredibly impressed by the way Kerstin has led her team through unforeseen challenges this past year. Ker's ability to stay organized, proactively communicate, and care for her players has gotten the team to where they are today. As an alum, I couldn't be prouder of the dedication Ker has shown and how well the team has responded to her leadership. I can't wait to watch Duke Lax compete this spring!"
-Meeghan Ford '07
Kerstin loves her job with a passion rarely seen. She cares for her colleagues, even ones she doesn't know. She cares for the school as if she was an alumnus. She cares about the game as if she never left the field. And she loves her team, as if they were each her family. She is constantly learning, tweaking, and making adjustments to the game plan, practice plan, and interactions with the individuals to make every day a little easier on those around her. The word servant leader truly embodies how she serves those around her every single day. Thanks for all you do Kerstin. It does not go unnoticed."
-Gabby Moise '15
"You'll learn a lot from Kerstin in your four years at Duke, but she'll quickly teach you to focus on the elements in your control, on and off the field. While this year may look different than ones in the past, Kerstin has the experience and leadership to guide the Blue Devils towards their goals despite the adversity they face competing in a global pandemic. I have no doubt this team will maintain resiliency and excel in the 2021 season and beyond."
- Izzy Montagne '17
"I consider myself extremely lucky to be a part of our Duke Women's Lacrosse Alumni board as a part of the communications sub-committee. I get to work closely with Kerstin on how to keep our alums connected to our current team, and these efforts did not end when last years season did. Kerstin used the time off the field to take advantage of our vast and impressive alumni network! We were able to set up 3-4 'Professional Development' zooms for the girls to meet alums in certain industries, such as tech, marketing & events, and sales (to name a few). The well-being of her players expands well beyond the confines of a field and extends after you graduate."
-Maddy Morrissey '14
"Ker deserves endless praise for her personal resilience, longstanding commitment to the Duke lacrosse program, and unwavering faith in her team, especially over the last 339 days. Through these hard times, she has proven that with her leadership, the 2021 Duke women's lacrosse team will continue to demonstrate their impressive character as individuals, raw talent as players, and natural cohesion as a team." I hope this is along the lines of what you guys are looking for. If not, please let me know and I will draft up something else. I have lots of good things to say about Ker!"
-Lindsey Reynolds '20
"Kerstin has the ability to steer the course amidst the turbulent, stormy sea of a COVID-19 Pandemic! She remained strategically optimistic and kept us alumnae informed of the next steps."
-Karen Sutton '99
#GoDuke