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Piper & Saunicheva: Reunited as Blue Devils
10/3/2023 11:41:00 AM | Women's Soccer
By Morgan Pruchniewski, Duke Athletic Communications Student Assistant
DURHAM -- As the Blue Devils take the pitch this fall, two members of the team have a connection that goes far beyond their time at Duke.
Elle Piper and Julia Saunicheva have been playing soccer alongside one another for over 10 years. The California natives met in fourth grade when they were coached by Piper's father, Heath Piper, and played together until leaving for their freshman year of college.
The pair were teammates for Barcelona Bay Area, San Jose Earthquakes, and FC Bay Area Surf, winning three national championships together. Although their positions have changed over the years, Piper and Saunicheva have always played side by side.
"Since we're on the same side of the field, we're always there for each other when we get nervous," said Saunicheva.
"We work so well together and have built that chemistry," said Piper.
Entering college, Piper came to Durham while Saunicheva stayed more local and headed to UCLA for her freshman year. The pair even played against one another when the Blue Devils took on the Bruins at Duke.
After a year apart, Saunicheva and Piper played together over the summer for the San Francisco Glens. With Saunicheva entering the transfer portal and committing to Duke, this fall Piper and Saunicheva became teammates once again.
"It's so refreshing," said Piper. "It's just a little bit different when you're used to playing with someone you grew up with. You've seen it all in your years together. It's like a sense of home."
"It felt like nothing had changed," said Saunicheva. "Elle was doing the same stuff that I was expecting her to do on the field."
Saunicheva has been adjusting easily to Duke and the rest of the team, immediately feeling like a Blue Devil.
"I think us being together is such a comforting thing," said Saunicheva. "Elle is like a little bit of home."
"I can't wait for her to experience a Duke/UNC game," said Piper. "That rivalry is genuinely so different and I'm so excited for us to be able to experience that."
The pair has been able to share the field together this season, with Piper playing defense and Saunicheva up front at forward.
"It's great to have someone who just gets you on the field," said Saunicheva. "That's such a big part of the adjustment is knowing how the people around you are playing. Against Wisconsin, Elle had won the ball back and flicked the ball behind her without looking because she knew I'd be there. And I was."
"It's very fluid when we play together," said Piper. "It's easier to have her there. It's calming, it lessens my nerves when we're together. I know she's got me and I know she knows I'm there for her."
Piper, Saunicheva, and the rest of the Blue Devils continue their season this Thursday on the road at Pittsburgh. The match will air live on ACC Network Extra at 7 p.m.
#GoDuke
DURHAM -- As the Blue Devils take the pitch this fall, two members of the team have a connection that goes far beyond their time at Duke.
Elle Piper and Julia Saunicheva have been playing soccer alongside one another for over 10 years. The California natives met in fourth grade when they were coached by Piper's father, Heath Piper, and played together until leaving for their freshman year of college.
The pair were teammates for Barcelona Bay Area, San Jose Earthquakes, and FC Bay Area Surf, winning three national championships together. Although their positions have changed over the years, Piper and Saunicheva have always played side by side.
"Since we're on the same side of the field, we're always there for each other when we get nervous," said Saunicheva.
"We work so well together and have built that chemistry," said Piper.
Entering college, Piper came to Durham while Saunicheva stayed more local and headed to UCLA for her freshman year. The pair even played against one another when the Blue Devils took on the Bruins at Duke.
After a year apart, Saunicheva and Piper played together over the summer for the San Francisco Glens. With Saunicheva entering the transfer portal and committing to Duke, this fall Piper and Saunicheva became teammates once again.
"It's so refreshing," said Piper. "It's just a little bit different when you're used to playing with someone you grew up with. You've seen it all in your years together. It's like a sense of home."
"It felt like nothing had changed," said Saunicheva. "Elle was doing the same stuff that I was expecting her to do on the field."
Saunicheva has been adjusting easily to Duke and the rest of the team, immediately feeling like a Blue Devil.
"I think us being together is such a comforting thing," said Saunicheva. "Elle is like a little bit of home."
"I can't wait for her to experience a Duke/UNC game," said Piper. "That rivalry is genuinely so different and I'm so excited for us to be able to experience that."
The pair has been able to share the field together this season, with Piper playing defense and Saunicheva up front at forward.
"It's great to have someone who just gets you on the field," said Saunicheva. "That's such a big part of the adjustment is knowing how the people around you are playing. Against Wisconsin, Elle had won the ball back and flicked the ball behind her without looking because she knew I'd be there. And I was."
"It's very fluid when we play together," said Piper. "It's easier to have her there. It's calming, it lessens my nerves when we're together. I know she's got me and I know she knows I'm there for her."
Piper, Saunicheva, and the rest of the Blue Devils continue their season this Thursday on the road at Pittsburgh. The match will air live on ACC Network Extra at 7 p.m.
#GoDuke
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