Completed Event: Softball versus Georgia on May 18, 2025 , Loss , 2, to, 5 , (F/8)
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Final
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Watkins, Wike Promoted to Associate Head Coaches
7/10/2024 3:55:00 PM | Softball
DURHAM – On Wednesday afternoon, Duke softball head coach Marissa Young announced that Olivia Watkins and Taylor Wike have been promoted to associate head coaches entering the 2025 campaign.
Watkins and Wike previously served as assistant coaches and were instrumental in guiding the Blue Devils to another record-setting season in 2024. Under their leadership, the Blue Devils developed three NFCA All-Americans in Claire Davidson, Aminah Vega and Jala Wright. As a team, Duke set a program record with a 52-9 overall ledger, captured its second ACC Championship, made its third straight NCAA Super Regional appearance and advanced to the Women's College World Series for the first time in program history.
For their efforts, Young and her coaching staff were named the 2024 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Southeast Region Staff of the Year.
"The 2024 season was truly one for the record books and the leadership of Olivia Watkins and on-field production under Taylor Wike were instrumental in our success," said Young. "I am so grateful for the way Coach Olivia stepped in and executed the vision of the program. Coach Taylor was exactly what our offense and defense needed to elevate our game. Both Olivia and Taylor work extremely hard, are passionate about player development and keep us on top of cutting-edge technology and data to enhance player performance."
Watkins, a native of Florence, Ala., enters her third season with the Blue Devils and will continue to coach the defense and slappers, while overseeing baserunning and the short game. With her assistance, the Blue Devils were stout on defense this season, holding opponents scoreless in 20-of-61 games. The 20 shutouts ranked first in the ACC and fifth nationally. In 2023, Watkins was particularly impactful in the development of NFCA All-American D'Auna Jennings, a lefty slapper, who set single-season school records in batting average (.462) and hits (80).
"I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of associate head coach for Duke softball," Watkins said. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to head coach Marissa Young for her trust, support and leadership, which have been instrumental in our historic journey to the Women's College World Series. Her guidance has not only shaped our team's success, but also inspired me personally to strive for excellence in every aspect of coaching. It's a privilege to be a part of a program so young but already achieving such great things and I'm honored to be able to contribute to the Duke softball legacy. I look forward to continued success alongside Coach Young, our dedicated coaching and support staff and our exceptional student-athletes as we aim for even greater achievements in the seasons ahead."
Wike, entering her second season with the program, will continue to serve as the team's hitting and infield coach. The Hiddenite, N.C., product played a crucial role in the Blue Devils' success on offense in her first season. Under her guidance, Duke maintained one of the nation's best batting averages (.322) and averaged 6.52 runs per game, which ranked eighth in the NCAA.
"I am forever grateful for Coach Young and the way she chooses to develop and empower young women," said Wike. "Being promoted to associate head coach and having the opportunity to work alongside someone who greatly influenced me at a pivotal point in my playing career is such a blessing. Duke softball reached new heights in 2024. I am so excited to continue working with this program and continuing to build on the solid foundation Coach Young has established."
To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL"
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
Watkins and Wike previously served as assistant coaches and were instrumental in guiding the Blue Devils to another record-setting season in 2024. Under their leadership, the Blue Devils developed three NFCA All-Americans in Claire Davidson, Aminah Vega and Jala Wright. As a team, Duke set a program record with a 52-9 overall ledger, captured its second ACC Championship, made its third straight NCAA Super Regional appearance and advanced to the Women's College World Series for the first time in program history.
For their efforts, Young and her coaching staff were named the 2024 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Southeast Region Staff of the Year.
"The 2024 season was truly one for the record books and the leadership of Olivia Watkins and on-field production under Taylor Wike were instrumental in our success," said Young. "I am so grateful for the way Coach Olivia stepped in and executed the vision of the program. Coach Taylor was exactly what our offense and defense needed to elevate our game. Both Olivia and Taylor work extremely hard, are passionate about player development and keep us on top of cutting-edge technology and data to enhance player performance."
Watkins, a native of Florence, Ala., enters her third season with the Blue Devils and will continue to coach the defense and slappers, while overseeing baserunning and the short game. With her assistance, the Blue Devils were stout on defense this season, holding opponents scoreless in 20-of-61 games. The 20 shutouts ranked first in the ACC and fifth nationally. In 2023, Watkins was particularly impactful in the development of NFCA All-American D'Auna Jennings, a lefty slapper, who set single-season school records in batting average (.462) and hits (80).
"I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of associate head coach for Duke softball," Watkins said. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to head coach Marissa Young for her trust, support and leadership, which have been instrumental in our historic journey to the Women's College World Series. Her guidance has not only shaped our team's success, but also inspired me personally to strive for excellence in every aspect of coaching. It's a privilege to be a part of a program so young but already achieving such great things and I'm honored to be able to contribute to the Duke softball legacy. I look forward to continued success alongside Coach Young, our dedicated coaching and support staff and our exceptional student-athletes as we aim for even greater achievements in the seasons ahead."
Wike, entering her second season with the program, will continue to serve as the team's hitting and infield coach. The Hiddenite, N.C., product played a crucial role in the Blue Devils' success on offense in her first season. Under her guidance, Duke maintained one of the nation's best batting averages (.322) and averaged 6.52 runs per game, which ranked eighth in the NCAA.
"I am forever grateful for Coach Young and the way she chooses to develop and empower young women," said Wike. "Being promoted to associate head coach and having the opportunity to work alongside someone who greatly influenced me at a pivotal point in my playing career is such a blessing. Duke softball reached new heights in 2024. I am so excited to continue working with this program and continuing to build on the solid foundation Coach Young has established."
To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL"
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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