Dear Duke: Erin Mathias

This is Dear Duke, a summer series where our Class of 2018 seniors reflect on their time spent as student-athletes at Duke University.

Dear Duke,

It is hard to believe that my time at Duke has come to an end. Seven years ago, I was recruited by the Duke Women’s Basketball coaching staff, and I was offered a spot to play for the team and attend one of the most prestigious universities in the world. I was just 15-years-old when I committed to Duke. Many people thought that I was too young to make that decision, but I knew it could not get any better than Duke University — a top school for academics and athletics.

In all honesty, my first two years were very challenging in the classroom and on the court. I struggled more than I ever had in my life, and at certain moments, I had doubts and wanted to give up. However, there were a lot more positives that outweighed the negatives. I made some of my best friends, and I had teammates, coaches, professors, and family that supported and helped me grow as a person and as a basketball player. I was constantly encouraged to keep working hard.

During my sophomore year, I became very interested in fashion design. I bought my first sewing machine and began designing within the walls of my dorm room. I even landed an internship in New York City with fashion designer, Charles Harbison, during the summer of 2016. I was figuring out my studies and interests outside of basketball, which was exciting.

Although Duke does not have fashion specific courses, I was able to find courses in Photography, Videography, Graphic Design, Web Design, and Entrepreneurship that allowed me to gain knowledge about the various mediums of expression used in the fashion industry. And on my own time, I was still designing.

My junior and senior years were two of the best years of my life thus far. During these years, I found my best friend, who just so happens to be my great dane named Zara, I designed a full collection garments in which I displayed in a small fashion show in front of the Duke Chapel, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy to play basketball and experience the beautiful culture with my teammates, and I played the best basketball that I have played in a long time.

Sometimes I wonder, what my life would look like if I had attended another university. Would I have made lifelong friends? Would I have developed this passion for fashion design? Would I have gotten a dog? Would I have gotten to travel to such amazing places? Would I have learned from some of the best coaches in women’s basketball? Would I have taken such interesting classes? The answer is that I would not have wanted to attend another university. I learned so much more about myself than I ever would have thought possible. I made memories that I will never forget. I met people that I will be able to confide in forever.

Without Duke, I’m not sure that I would have the opportunity to play professional basketball in Italy. The world works in thrilling ways. I would never have thought that last summer I’d be touring Italy with my Duke teammates and that later this summer, I’ll be living in Italy with new teammates.

All I can say, is thank you, Duke. Thank you for everything.

Erin Mathias

Duke information