Signee Spotlight: Gracie Butler

Gracie Butler (left) with her Surbiton teammates

The Duke field hockey program is thrilled to welcome five newcomers to the Blue Devil family this fall. The group hails from three different states – Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut – and two countries – Germany and England.

Over the coming weeks, we will profile each of the incoming Blue Devils, starting with Gracie Butler, coming to Durham from across the pond in Oxshott, United Kingdom.

Pam Bustin on Butler
"We look forward to welcoming Gracie back to campus from "across the pond". Her enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity to join Duke True and contribute to our coveted team culture and championship mindset have endeared her to our squad. Gracie's solid play and competitive experiences while playing at Wellington College and Surbiton H.C. prepare her for the challenges of the NCAA D1/ACC rigorous schedule and high-level play. Gracie is a great passer and has a keen sense of subtly setting up the attack as she manipulates the midfield space. Her style will bring an added dimension to the attacking phases of the game. Welcome Gracie!"

Butler will arrive on Duke's campus after completing her time at Wellington College in England. She excelled in the midfield with both Wellington College and Surbiton Hockey Club. Just this week, the 18-year old was awarded Surbiton's "Best Contribution to the Squad" Award at the annual end-of-season banquet. She was the winner of one of the three honors presented for her age group.

As a junior at Wellington College, Butler helped her team to the 2023 England Hockey National Schools Championships Quarterfinals and a runner-up finish at the St. George's Sixes Tournament. Most recently on the club circuit, Butler was instrumental along with two of her other Wellington teammates in helping Surbiton to the U18 T1 Cup. Butler, excelling on the hockey field for many years, was the Surbiton Hockey Club - Junior Girls all-around prize winner in 2021, a leader on the English Hockey Supra League National Finals Championship team in 2020 and runner-up squad in 2022. The 5-foot-9 forward took part in the English Hockey National Age Group field hockey trials at Lilleshall in 2021 and earned a spot in the National Challenge Cup in 2023.

She helped Surbiton qualify and win the National Trials in Nottingham in 2023 and most recently led the club to the 2024 England Hockey Junior National Cup Championship.

A fantastic weekend for some our @SurbitonHC club players.

Gracie, Lucy and Noa winning the U18 T1 Cup winners.

Cecily, Jess and Ottie U16 Supra League winners

Seb captaining his team to U16 T1 Plate winners

Congratulations to all! @WellySport pic.twitter.com/zF3gur66W8
— Wellington College Hockey (@Wellyhockey) April 15, 2024

An accomplished "footballer", Butler was a member of the 2024 ISFA Girls' U-18 Football National Quarterfinalist quad as a holding midfielder and is the captain of the U18 football First XI. Her love for sport carries over into the coaching realm where she works with a U12 football team at her local feeder school. She also served as a hockey coach at Surbiton in 2023. Off the field, Butler is equally as impressive with a wide range of activities, including being the lone female in the A crew of the Royal Navy command field gun competition. She was a finalist in Latin verse reading competition and Public Speaking Society Regional Finalist.

Get to Know Gracie
What is your favorite thing about home?
My family and friends, they are my favorite people in the world. Boarding with my friends at school is so much fun and I have also made some of my closest friends at my local hockey club.

What Taylor Swift era would you be and why?
I don't really listen to Taylor Swift so I took a Buzzfeed quiz …
It said that I am the debut era because I'm young at heart and empathetic

Where is the best place field hockey has taken you?
South Africa, as I was able to play with the backdrop of Table Mountain which was an unforgettable experience

Other than hockey, what is your favorite summer Olympic sport or event?
Probably basketball, which is very fitting for Duke!

What is your go-to coffee/cafe order?
I don't drink coffee but I like an earl grey tea when I'm at home

What's your spirit animal and why?
I would probably say an otter because they are very family orientated animals, always linking arms with them to stay safe in the river.

If you could be any animal for one day what would it be?
Any type of bird, although robins are really cute, because I think the freedom of flying would be incredible.

To stay up to date with Blue Devils field hockey, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeFH".

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

Signee Spotlight: Gracie Butler

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