Seamless Transitions: Women's Soccer Transfers Thrive in 2024

DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke women's soccer team is making headlines in 2024, thanks in no small part to the incredible impact of four first-year transfers.

Farrah Walters, Hannah Bebar, Mia Oliaro, and Ella Hase have seamlessly integrated into the squad, combining for 68 starts, 4,876 minutes, 16 goals, 31 assists, and five game-winning goals. Their contributions have been instrumental in propelling Duke to a stellar season, both on and off the field.

Some of the highlights so far for the Blue Devils include winning the ACC Regular Season title, totaling four wins against top 10 ranked opponents, scoring 62 goals in 18 matches, registering four of the five major ACC awards, earning the first No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, among others.
Mia Oliaro, Farrah Walters

Head coach Robbie Church has taken immense pride in his team this season, applauding the successful transition of the transfers who have seamlessly integrated into an already strong and close-knit team culture.

"People can see what they've done on the field and how they have all impacted this program in their positions, but first off they are unbelievable human beings. They have fit in since day one and have sacrificed their own for the team. They've been a pleasure to coach. Even the first week of preseason training, if you looked at the field and you're like, 'Okay, who's the four-year player, or who's just been here for a semester, going on their second semester, or just their first week out here training?', you couldn't tell," Church explained. "They have bought into everything that the coaches have asked from them and have made an immediate impact on us, but not only on the field, but off the field as well."

Farrah Walters, who joined the Blue Devils in January, credits the team's camaraderie and the program's high standards for her smooth transition.

She had always known that Duke offered incredible opportunities for student-athletes in their respective sports, however this season has exceeded expectations.

Reflecting on her experience, she said:

"I always knew Duke was a great school historically, so coming in and being able to be here, but this season has just been something different. We've all been talking about that. We're best friends on and off the field and it obviously really shows. It exceeded all my expectations; I could never have imagined it going so well."

Walters has started 15-of-18 matches, while collecting three goals and three assists for nine points on the season at forward.

Walters emphasized the team's focus on constant improvement and praised the coaching staff's careful recruiting process, which ensured her skills were a perfect match for the team's needs. There was no doubt that Walters belonged in a Blue Devil uniform.

"I always heard people talk about when you know you belong somewhere you just know. At Duke, I really feel that way and I finally get it now, this is where I'm supposed to be. It's an energy that you feel."

Alongside Walters is local talent, Mia Oliaro.

The young sophomore has flourished at Duke. Transferring from the University of North Carolina, Oliaro has evolved into a versatile player under Church and the rest of the staff.

Adapting to a new formation and position, Oliaro has enjoyed the tactical focus and personalized coaching.

"Coming to Duke and getting to play for Robbie (Church) has been a life-changing experience. For me, I feel like I have been able to embrace a different position. We play a different formation, and that has been super exciting this season. I've been able to learn a lot tactically, and I feel like getting to play here has kind of really increased my understanding of the tactical side of the game."

Oliaro has made a huge impact on the pitch starting all 18 matches, while collecting a team-high 12 assists along with seven goals and 26 points. Her 12 assists currently ranks second in the ACC and fifth nationally, while her points are 10th in the league. For her efforts, Oliaro was tabbed to the All-ACC Second Team.

Aside from broadening her understanding of the game, Oliaro shared that Church and his staff have provided her with far more than just tactical insights and skill development. They've fostered a supportive and inclusive team environment that feels like a second family, shaping not only her soccer journey but also her overall college experience.

"Something that we all embrace as a culture, and what our coaches as a staff really harp on, is the fact that every single person has their unique abilities, and if we all just bring our best in our special qualities every day then that's what's going to make the team better," Oliaro explained. So that's been really important for me is just getting to be myself and having fun while I play."

TOP. SHELF. ??

SENSATIONAL STRIKE FROM MO FOR THE BRACE!

69' | ???? 2, ?? 0 pic.twitter.com/rugbKb3jpT
— Duke Women's Soccer (@DukeWSOC) October 27, 2024

Graduate transfer Hannah Bebar has also embraced a vital midfield presence in her time with the Blue Devils.

After four years at Harvard, Bebar transitioned to Duke with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. Despite playing a more defensive midfield role than she was accustomed to, she's found fulfillment in contributing to a balanced and cohesive team.

"There's no question why this team has had success. There's genuinely no divides. There's nothing but good intentions. There's nothing but good leadership. I've had so much fun just being able to be a part of this. The work that's been put in off the field, like in the spring, even before then, had set the standards. So, it's just been everyone working for the person next to them. It's so genuine. I've had so much fun being a part of it."

Bebar has started all 18 matches in the midfield and has been brilliant helping the Blue Devils control the midfield. She owns three goals and five assists for 11 points on the year, including two of the biggest goals of the season for Duke at eighth-ranked in a 3-2 victory on the road. Bebar was tabbed to the All-ACC Second Team heading into postseason play.

A common concern for many teams when the word "transfer" comes up is the fear of losing their spot. However, with this team, that fear never crossed anyone's mind.

"It never felt that we were going to take their spots. So, I think it's just speaking to more of the team and their role in accepting whoever transferred in and really wanting the best for them and we've all felt that equally," Bebar explained. "But just know from talking to the team, that never once has it felt like someone was wanting their own success above another."

49' | BEBAR WITH THE BRACE ??

...doesn't that have a nice ring to it?! ??

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— Duke Women's Soccer (@DukeWSOC) November 1, 2024

Hase, a fifth-year transfer from Northwestern, has brought versatility to the Blue Devils with her scoring and defensive skills, adding depth and experience to the team.

Although an intense transition such as this one may be difficult, Hase explained that the pros outweigh the cons to a decision like this.

"I feel like you never really know what to expect when you go to a new program, like I didn't have any expectations because you're not kind of entitled to anything. You're at a new place, new program. So there definitely were challenges in the beginning, like getting used to playing with new players, building that chemistry, and also, just like having to believe in yourself that you can do it."

Hase has started 17-of-18 contests as a left wingback. She has collected 11 assists along with three goals for 17 points. Hase's 11 assists rank third in the ACC and seventh nationally, while earning All-ACC Second Team accolades.

The transfers' success wouldn't have been possible without the welcoming and supportive environment fostered by the pre-existing Duke women's soccer roster.

The team's strong culture allowed the newcomers to seamlessly integrate from day one. Graduate captain and 2024 ACC Midfielder of the Year Maggie Graham has been a part of the program since her freshman year, watching a constant transition of transfers join the program.

"All of our transfers that we brought in for this season have fit like little puzzle pieces, there's been no issues they haven't seen like they haven't been here before. The way they play fits perfectly with the way we want to play. We know that when they get on the ball, they're going to keep it, they're going to move the ball, they're going to get it somewhere else," Graham explained. "They've just played so well together and they play so well with everybody else that just didn't even feel like they haven't been here all four years that I've been here."

The new players have not only boosted Duke's on-field performance but also strengthened the team's culture of unity and selflessness, where team success always comes before individual achievement.

As the Blue Devils continue their impressive season, these transfers have shown that with the right mindset, support, and coaching, new beginnings can lead to remarkable outcomes.

Next on deck for top-ranked Duke will be the NCAA Tournament second round Friday, Nov. 22 as the Blue Devils (15-2-1) host 17th-ranked Texas Tech at 6:30 p.m., inside Koskinen Stadium.

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

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Seamless Transitions: Women's Soccer Transfers Thrive in 2024

Players Mentioned

Hannah Bebar

Maggie Graham

Ella Hase

Mia Oliaro

Farrah Walters

Duke information

Seamless Transitions: Women's Soccer Transfers Thrive in 2024

Players Mentioned

Hannah Bebar

Maggie Graham

Ella Hase

Mia Oliaro

Farrah Walters

Related Videos

Duke information