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A Wilson Family Legacy at Duke: Kelly Wilson Reflects on Her Journey to Captaincy
10/22/2024 4:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
DURHAM, N.C.-- For Kelly Wilson, Duke University was more than just a dream school — a second home long before she set foot on campus as a student-athlete.
From a young age, Wilson had front-row seats in Duke women's soccer, traveling with her family to watch her older sisters, Kara and Emily, play under coaching legend, Robbie Church.
As the youngest of five Wilson siblings, two of whom wore royal blue and another, Bryn, attended Duke, Wilson's love for Duke grew from those early visits to Koskinen Stadium, where she first felt the family atmosphere that has since shaped her journey.
Described as more of an obsession in Wilson's words, her love for all things Duke started at the age of eight when her family would pack into their family car and drive up from Potomac, Md., to Durham each weekend to watch her older sister's play.
"I used to drive up with my parents almost every weekend to watch her (Kara) play here," said Wilson. "That's when I was first introduced to Duke, and I became obsessed with it. I loved going to Koskinen Stadium and watching all the games -- it was such an exciting atmosphere, especially for a young girl who dreamed of playing college soccer. That's really when my passion for Duke started. Kara introduced me to the players and Robbie (Church), and they were all so sweet. From a young age, I knew Duke felt like a family to me."
Those early trips to Durham weren't just for game days, they created so much more. The Wilson household had its special connection with the team, often hosting the Duke players when they played exhibition matches near their home.
The young Wilson enjoyed every moment spent with the squad.
"When they came down in the spring to play the Washington Spirit in a spring game, they would stay at our house," Wilson reflected, with a smile on her face. "The whole team would come over for dinner, and they would stay throughout the house, which gave me the chance to hang out with them -- they all made me feel so special as a young girl."
Growing up with a super fan in her family, Kelly's oldest sister recalled fond memories of a young Wilson going above and beyond to show her unwavering support for her sister and teammates.
"One of my favorite memories is of Kelly begging our parents to let her leave school early and drive with them from DC to Duke, just to watch our Thursday night games," said Kara Wilson. "Her passion for Duke women's soccer started early. Just a few games into my freshman year, she had every player's name and jersey number memorized. Kim DeCesare, one of the incredible captains that year, quickly became Kelly's favorite player."
Church has fond memories of the Wilson family and everything that they have done for the program in their time with the Blue Devils.
"What a wonderful family it is -- Kelly (Wilson) as a young player, would draw pictures and give pictures to me of her playing here at Duke. For her to be able to fulfill her dream is exciting. To see how much she has grown both as a young lady and how she's matured has been fun to watch. She's going to do some wonderful, wonderful things in this world and I look forward to following her."
As Wilson grew older in her soccer career and began her recruiting process, it became clear that Duke was always where she wanted to be.
"I'd say so throughout Kara being here and Emily being here, I would come to visit both of them all the time. So, I had a long stretch of like eight years where I would be at Duke a few times in the fall and just throughout the year. From a young age, I knew I always wanted to go to Duke."
Despite exploring other options, her heart was set on following in her sisters' footsteps. The connection she had developed with the Blue Devils from an early age, combined with her admiration for her sisters' experiences, made it clear that Duke was where she truly belonged.
"Once I got into the recruiting process, I reached out to like Robbie, and it was Erwin (van Bennekom) at the time, and I would talk to them all the time. They'd come out to my games and I pretended to look elsewhere, but I knew deep down that I would end up at Duke. It was a surreal moment when I committed because it was my childhood dream had finally come true, and I knew that this was the place I wanted to be."
In the end, her heart was set on following in their footsteps, knowing that Duke was not just a school, but a place that already felt like home.
Wilson's older sister Kara even reflected on this milestone in her youngest sister's soccer career, laughing at how the Wilson family seemed to be never-ending at Duke.
"Duke has always held a special place in my heart, and it has been incredible to see it become such an important part of my siblings' lives as well. It is hard to believe Robbie (Church) has been coaching Wilsons since 2012! While so much has changed in college sports since then, having him as a constant for each of us has created a shared experience that is special."
Now, as a senior, Wilson has not only realized her dream of playing for Duke but has also achieved something even more personal — being named a captain, following in Kara's footsteps.
Wilson's leadership style mirrors Kara's, more understated yet highly effective. Both sisters have excelled by leading through example rather than words.
"It means so much to me that my teammates and coaches see me as someone they can look up to and believe I have what it takes to lead this team to success. It's truly an honor. Following in my sister's footsteps was another dream of mine -- committing to Duke and playing soccer here, just like she did," Wilson reflected with pride. "But beyond that, I also wanted to make a real impact on the team and step into a leadership role. So, being elected captain was an incredibly special moment for me."
Upon being named captain for the 2024 season, Wilson recalled looking to her sister for advice on how to take on this role, with Kara having been deemed captain as well in her senior season.
When asked what this milestone meant to the Wilson family, she proudly said this on her sister's success with the Blue Devils:
"I am incredibly proud of all that Kelly has accomplished, both with Duke soccer and beyond. It has been inspiring to watch her, the youngest of our big family, grow into such a strong leader. Her dedication, selflessness, and lifelong love for Duke women's soccer make her an exceptional teammate and captain."
Wilson's mother, Coleen Gallagher, shared similar pride in the youngest Wilson's accomplishments, knowing that this milestone goes much deeper than soccer.
"As a parent, watching Kelly chase her dream to follow in her sisters' footsteps at Duke has been a remarkable journey," said Gallagher. "Now, as we are in Kelly's final season, I reflect on a span of 13 incredible years that our family has been with the Duke women's soccer program. It has been filled with growth, friendships, and unforgettable moments."
Wilson's mother, Coleen Gallagher, expressed her gratitude to the program that has played a significant role in shaping her family, saying:
"Thank you to the dedicated training staff and wonderful families and friends for the incredible love and support you've shown my girls through their journey. And to Robbie (Church). I recall you telling Kelly during her recruitment that you'd be there when she started, but not likely by the time she ended her Duke career. As luck would have it, we'll be ending this chapter together!
Thank you for the guidance, dedication, and love you've shown my girls throughout their journeys. I am forever grateful to Duke University and the loving and supportive community."
As her time at Duke winds down, Wilson reflects on the Wilson family's incredible journey, spanning over a decade of soccer. Though Wilson's time on the field may be nearing its conclusion, she's already thinking ahead, with aspirations to stay involved in sports, potentially working in sports marketing or player development.
"My goal after graduation is to work in the sports industry for a few years, focusing on areas like marketing or player development. I think it would be a good transition from playing college sports to stepping into the professional world, but I'm still figuring out my exact next steps."
As the Wilson family's chapter at Duke draws to a close, Wilson reflects on the legacy she and her sisters have left behind — one of passion, dedication, and above all, family.
Prior to that, Wilson and the No. 1 ranked Blue Devils (12-1, 7-0 ACC) have a lot left to play for as the regular season winds down and Duke prepares for the postseason. The Blue Devils next host seventh-ranked Notre Dame on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m., which will also be senior night for Wilson.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWSOC".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
From a young age, Wilson had front-row seats in Duke women's soccer, traveling with her family to watch her older sisters, Kara and Emily, play under coaching legend, Robbie Church.
As the youngest of five Wilson siblings, two of whom wore royal blue and another, Bryn, attended Duke, Wilson's love for Duke grew from those early visits to Koskinen Stadium, where she first felt the family atmosphere that has since shaped her journey.
Described as more of an obsession in Wilson's words, her love for all things Duke started at the age of eight when her family would pack into their family car and drive up from Potomac, Md., to Durham each weekend to watch her older sister's play.
"I used to drive up with my parents almost every weekend to watch her (Kara) play here," said Wilson. "That's when I was first introduced to Duke, and I became obsessed with it. I loved going to Koskinen Stadium and watching all the games -- it was such an exciting atmosphere, especially for a young girl who dreamed of playing college soccer. That's really when my passion for Duke started. Kara introduced me to the players and Robbie (Church), and they were all so sweet. From a young age, I knew Duke felt like a family to me."
Those early trips to Durham weren't just for game days, they created so much more. The Wilson household had its special connection with the team, often hosting the Duke players when they played exhibition matches near their home.
The young Wilson enjoyed every moment spent with the squad.
"When they came down in the spring to play the Washington Spirit in a spring game, they would stay at our house," Wilson reflected, with a smile on her face. "The whole team would come over for dinner, and they would stay throughout the house, which gave me the chance to hang out with them -- they all made me feel so special as a young girl."
Growing up with a super fan in her family, Kelly's oldest sister recalled fond memories of a young Wilson going above and beyond to show her unwavering support for her sister and teammates.
"One of my favorite memories is of Kelly begging our parents to let her leave school early and drive with them from DC to Duke, just to watch our Thursday night games," said Kara Wilson. "Her passion for Duke women's soccer started early. Just a few games into my freshman year, she had every player's name and jersey number memorized. Kim DeCesare, one of the incredible captains that year, quickly became Kelly's favorite player."
Church has fond memories of the Wilson family and everything that they have done for the program in their time with the Blue Devils.
"What a wonderful family it is -- Kelly (Wilson) as a young player, would draw pictures and give pictures to me of her playing here at Duke. For her to be able to fulfill her dream is exciting. To see how much she has grown both as a young lady and how she's matured has been fun to watch. She's going to do some wonderful, wonderful things in this world and I look forward to following her."
As Wilson grew older in her soccer career and began her recruiting process, it became clear that Duke was always where she wanted to be.
"I'd say so throughout Kara being here and Emily being here, I would come to visit both of them all the time. So, I had a long stretch of like eight years where I would be at Duke a few times in the fall and just throughout the year. From a young age, I knew I always wanted to go to Duke."
Despite exploring other options, her heart was set on following in her sisters' footsteps. The connection she had developed with the Blue Devils from an early age, combined with her admiration for her sisters' experiences, made it clear that Duke was where she truly belonged.
"Once I got into the recruiting process, I reached out to like Robbie, and it was Erwin (van Bennekom) at the time, and I would talk to them all the time. They'd come out to my games and I pretended to look elsewhere, but I knew deep down that I would end up at Duke. It was a surreal moment when I committed because it was my childhood dream had finally come true, and I knew that this was the place I wanted to be."
In the end, her heart was set on following in their footsteps, knowing that Duke was not just a school, but a place that already felt like home.
Wilson's older sister Kara even reflected on this milestone in her youngest sister's soccer career, laughing at how the Wilson family seemed to be never-ending at Duke.
"Duke has always held a special place in my heart, and it has been incredible to see it become such an important part of my siblings' lives as well. It is hard to believe Robbie (Church) has been coaching Wilsons since 2012! While so much has changed in college sports since then, having him as a constant for each of us has created a shared experience that is special."
Now, as a senior, Wilson has not only realized her dream of playing for Duke but has also achieved something even more personal — being named a captain, following in Kara's footsteps.
Wilson's leadership style mirrors Kara's, more understated yet highly effective. Both sisters have excelled by leading through example rather than words.
"It means so much to me that my teammates and coaches see me as someone they can look up to and believe I have what it takes to lead this team to success. It's truly an honor. Following in my sister's footsteps was another dream of mine -- committing to Duke and playing soccer here, just like she did," Wilson reflected with pride. "But beyond that, I also wanted to make a real impact on the team and step into a leadership role. So, being elected captain was an incredibly special moment for me."
Upon being named captain for the 2024 season, Wilson recalled looking to her sister for advice on how to take on this role, with Kara having been deemed captain as well in her senior season.
When asked what this milestone meant to the Wilson family, she proudly said this on her sister's success with the Blue Devils:
"I am incredibly proud of all that Kelly has accomplished, both with Duke soccer and beyond. It has been inspiring to watch her, the youngest of our big family, grow into such a strong leader. Her dedication, selflessness, and lifelong love for Duke women's soccer make her an exceptional teammate and captain."
Wilson's mother, Coleen Gallagher, shared similar pride in the youngest Wilson's accomplishments, knowing that this milestone goes much deeper than soccer.
"As a parent, watching Kelly chase her dream to follow in her sisters' footsteps at Duke has been a remarkable journey," said Gallagher. "Now, as we are in Kelly's final season, I reflect on a span of 13 incredible years that our family has been with the Duke women's soccer program. It has been filled with growth, friendships, and unforgettable moments."
Wilson's mother, Coleen Gallagher, expressed her gratitude to the program that has played a significant role in shaping her family, saying:
"Thank you to the dedicated training staff and wonderful families and friends for the incredible love and support you've shown my girls through their journey. And to Robbie (Church). I recall you telling Kelly during her recruitment that you'd be there when she started, but not likely by the time she ended her Duke career. As luck would have it, we'll be ending this chapter together!
Thank you for the guidance, dedication, and love you've shown my girls throughout their journeys. I am forever grateful to Duke University and the loving and supportive community."
As her time at Duke winds down, Wilson reflects on the Wilson family's incredible journey, spanning over a decade of soccer. Though Wilson's time on the field may be nearing its conclusion, she's already thinking ahead, with aspirations to stay involved in sports, potentially working in sports marketing or player development.
"My goal after graduation is to work in the sports industry for a few years, focusing on areas like marketing or player development. I think it would be a good transition from playing college sports to stepping into the professional world, but I'm still figuring out my exact next steps."
As the Wilson family's chapter at Duke draws to a close, Wilson reflects on the legacy she and her sisters have left behind — one of passion, dedication, and above all, family.
Prior to that, Wilson and the No. 1 ranked Blue Devils (12-1, 7-0 ACC) have a lot left to play for as the regular season winds down and Duke prepares for the postseason. The Blue Devils next host seventh-ranked Notre Dame on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m., which will also be senior night for Wilson.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWSOC".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
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