DURHAM, N.C.— Duke women's soccer is welcoming seven newcomers to the pitch in 2025 as
Kieran Hall takes over the reigns as the head coach of the Blue Devils. The seven-member class is ranked No. 3 nationally by TopDrawerSoccer.
The Blue Devils will spotlight each of the seven newcomers ahead of preseason practice starting in late July.
Our second rookie is
Kaylee Kim, a 5-4 forward from Belmont, Calif. Kim is listed as the No. 5 player from the Northern California and Hawaii regions. A 2024 NorCal All-League First Team (2023) and Second Team (2024, 2022) selection, Kim tallied 32 goals and nine assists as a freshman and sophomore at Carlmont High School. She also competes for Bay Area Surf club team.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWSOC".
#GoDuke
GoDuke.com: What made you choose Duke?
Kaylee Kim: I chose Duke because of the strong sense of family and community that surrounded me from the start. The team demonstrated incredible support and loyalty to one another and the school as a whole made every student feel welcomed and valued. The coaches made me feel at home while also showing me that they're committed to pushing me to reach my full potential.
GD: Tell us about your soccer game and what you hope to bring to Duke?
KK: I'm a hard worker who is always determined to chase after every ball, sacrifice for every tackle and leave everything on the field. I aim to bring that contagious energy to every practice and game!
GD: Favorite Duke player you grew up liking to watch?
KK: Michelle cooper
GD: Most excited for at Duke (soccer and not soccer)?
KK: I am most excited to be supported and guided by our amazing coaching staff and upperclassmen that I know will help me grow so much.
GD: What is a fun fact/skill/talent people may not know about you?
KK: Fun Fact: I don't like kimchi!
GD: Who are your biggest inspirations on and off the pitch?
KK: My biggest inspiration on the pitch are my Bay Area surf teammates who never fail to support me and always want the best for me. They've taught me how a passionate and intense environment can truly feel like home. Off the field, my biggest inspiration is my parents, who have always demonstrated that hard work leads to success and that giving your best effort means living without regrets.
GD: What is your proudest moment on the soccer field so far?
KK: My proudest moment on the soccer field so far came during the final game of the season, which would decide the league champion. It had been a challenging season adjusting to a new team and environment. With the score tied 1-1 late in the second half, I managed to chase down the ball and score the winning goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Bay Area Surf and clinching the league title.
GD: At what age did you start playing soccer?
KK: I started playing at seven years old
GD: Did you play other sports growing up?
KK: Track, tennis, swimming, skiing and snowboarding
GD: I know it is early, but do you have any idea yet what you think you might want to major in?
KK: I am still working on discovering my major!
Quick Hitters:
Favorite Athlete? Kevin De Bruyne
Hobbies? Ceramics, snowboarding, running, thrifting
Favorite TV Show? The Good Place and Gilmore Girls
Favorite Movie? Truman Show and Big Hero 6
Favorite Emoji? ??
Latest show you watched on television/Netflix? How I Met Your Mother
If you were to play another sport, what would it be? Beach Volleyball
Mountains or Beach? Beach
Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream? Brownie Batter
Any Pregame Rituals? None!