On the Pitch with Jocelyn Travers

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 first rookie is Jocelyn Travers, a 5-5 defender from Santa Cruz, Calif. Travers is the No. 16 overall recruit in the class and has been a fixture on the U.S. National Teams over the last three years. She is a ECNL All-America selection and ECNL Girls Conference Player of the Year as a junior. In her final year of high school soccer as a sophomore at Santa Cruz, tallied 23 goals and 10 assists. Travers represented the U.S. at the 2024 U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup, while placing third.

A member of the U-17 @USYNT from Santa Cruz, CA, Jocelyn Travers is ready to make her mark in Durham this fall ??

Get to know Jocelyn ?? https://t.co/Eo0duvNGpK pic.twitter.com/inDyRzEefL
— Duke Women's Soccer (@DukeWSOC) June 24, 2025

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?
Jocelyn Travers: Duke was my first call and I talked to Kieran. I have always considered Duke because it has such a large name not only for athletics, but also a great academic program. When I went on my visit, that is when I really felt like it was the right place for me. I loved the campus. I liked the layout of it, but also the look of it. I loved the coaches and the environment they created for the team. The girls on the team were so welcoming and made me feel comfortable. I didn't feel judged or unwanted. They were so nice and funny. I feel like having teammates like that creates an amazing environment for everyone to thrive. The academic programs at Duke are also amazing and I didn't want to pass that up. It is also a top team in the ACC which is amazing and it overall felt like the right place for me to go.

GD: Tell us about your soccer game and what you hope to bring to Duke?
JT: I am a defender, but I think I provide a large amount of offense to the team. I love having the ball at my feet and driving forward. I am confident in my touches and passes in small and big spaces. As a defender I think I am good at anticipating the play and winning balls.

GD: Favorite Duke player you grew up liking to watch?
JT: I didn't really start watching Duke soccer until a year before my commitment. I really enjoyed watching Maggie Graham this past season. She seemed fearless, but smart. She was like an engine and is also a very versatile player. I have been watching her pro games and she is playing everywhere on the field which is really cool. She was also a goal scorer this past season!

GD: Most excited for at Duke (soccer and not soccer)?
JT: Soccer: I can't wait for the day when I step on the field for the first time as a Duke player. I love playing the game and it will be a special moment I will remember for a while.
Not soccer: I am a very social person, so I can't wait to meet new people and make new friends and connections with both my teammates and classmates.

GD: What is a fun fact/skill/talent people may not know about you?
JT: I can remodel your bathroom. I work with my dad in construction, so I tile everything, hang drywall, use a lot of tools, etc.

GD: Who are your biggest inspirations on and off the pitch?
JT: I know this is a typical answer, but I wouldn't be able to do this without my mom. She drove me to practice hours away five times a week since I was 6-7 years old. For the past 10 years she has taken me almost everyday hours away so I can get the best training. Without that sacrifice of time, money, etc., I would not be the player I am today. She definitely pushes me to my max and that is why I can list all my accomplishments.

GD: What is your proudest moment on the soccer field so far?
JT: I would probably say getting a medal in the world cup. That experience was so amazing and I cherish every moment of it.

GD: At what age did you start playing soccer?
JT: I started playing soccer when I was four years old.

GD: Did you play other sports growing up?
JT: I didn't play any other sports on club teams, but I participated in school basketball and volleyball. I always loved sports so I would always be kicking or throwing a ball.

GD: I know it is early, but do you have any idea yet what you think you might want to major in?
JT: I am currently undecided. I just want to explore different classes and see which ones I find most interesting.

Quick Hitters:
Favorite Athlete? Lionel Messi
Hobbies? Riding bikes, baking, pickleball
Favorite TV Show? I DON'T HAVE A FAVORITE! Cannot choose - Outer Banks, All-American, Vampire Diaries, Good Girls, Any reality TV show
Favorite Movie? I DON'T HAVE A FAVORITE! I like any romance movie
Favorite Emoji? ?? this one. I spam it, but I don't mean to.
Latest show you watched on television/Netflix? Love Island/All-American
If you were to play another sport, what would it be? Volleyball
Mountains or Beach? Beach
Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream? Cookie Dough
Any Pregame Rituals? I retie my shoes before every half