DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke volleyball program and head coach
Jolene Nagel announced its captains for the 2024 season as
Rylie Kadel, Kerry Keefe, Millie Muir, Rachel Richardson and
Nikki Underwood will lead the Blue Devils this fall.
Kadel returns as one of Duke's main offensive threats from the middle position. Over the course of her career, she has seen action in 59 contests for 180 sets and has knocked down 310 kills as 211 came during her sophomore year. She owns a .255 hitting percentage and is Duke's leading returning blocker with 162 total blocks. During her sophomore campaign, she tallied 18 solo blocks and 104 block assists to rack up 309.0 points. She comes into her senior year featuring 20 games with four-or-more total blocks.
Keefe was sensational for Duke a season ago and earned a spot as a second team All-ACC honoree. During her sophomore year, she tied for first on the team with 356 total kills and led all outside hitters with a .308 hitting percentage. She tallied 10-or-more kills in every match but three and accumulated five double-double performances as a six-rotation player. For her career, she owns a .301 hitting percentage, 516 kills, 266 digs and 98 total blocks as one of Duke's go-to threats on both sides of the ball.
After being redshirted her freshman year, Muir saw action in 15 matches and 23 sets as a setter. She dished 83 assists, including a career-high 23 against Elon, and added four kills, 25 digs and six total blocks. She has been a vocal leader on and off the court as one of Duke's representatives for the 2024 ACC Unity Tour in July. She was also named one of Duke's Presidential Ambassadors for her work on campus.
Richardson returns to the court as one of Duke's most powerful outside hitters. A season ago, she saw action in all but one set for 29 matches. She finished the season tied for third on the team with 157 kills and collected 131 digs, 19 aces and 58 total blocks as an all-around athlete. Richardson notched three-or-more total blocks in 10 different matches and collected a career-high 16 kills in the victory over Creighton. For her career, Richardson owns 427 kills, 387 digs, 103 total blocks and 47 aces.
Underwood looks to help anchor Duke's defense as one of the top returning defensive specialists. Last season, she saw action in all 29 matches and tallied 89 digs and 19 assists. Underwood collected five-or-more digs in eight different matches and previously was Duke's starting libero during the 2022 season. Throughout her career, she has amassed action in 81 contests for 251 sets and has collected 582 digs, 113 assists and 32 aces.
"It is with great excitement that we have named our 2024 captains," Nagel said. "We look for their experience and leadership to share a voice for all of our team to feel heard as we face the challenges of our 2024 season. We value every single student-athlete and this leadership group will be impactful and assist our coaching staff for the best interests of our team. We have broadened this group this season not only for strong leadership for this team but also to nurture younger leadership for the future. I look forward to this journey of our 2024 season and what we can accomplish together!"
Duke will kick off the 2024 season Aug. 30 against Colgate in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
For more information on Duke volleyball, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "DukeVB".
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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