University Duke University Nickname Blue Devils Colors Duke blue and White Head coach Joanne P. McCallie Conference Atlantic Coast Conference | Location Durham, NC Student section Cameron Crazies Home Away Arena/Stadium Cameron Indoor Stadium League Division I (NCAA) | |
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2016 01 14 nc state wolfpack at 22 duke blue devils women s basketball
The Duke Blue Devils women's basketball team is the college basketball program representing Duke University in the Atlantic Coast Conference of NCAA Division I.
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Team history
In 1974, Duke hired Emma Jean Howard to teach physical education, and to serve as the head coach of the women's basketball and volleyball teams. Initially, women's basketball was played as a club sport. In the first season, 1974–75, the team played locally, finishing second in the state with a 6–7 record. The women's athletic department merged with the men's athletics in 1975, and the second year is considered as the first official season of the program as a varsity sport. Howard remained as the head coach for the next two years. In 1977, Howard remained as the volleyball coach, while Duke moved up to Division I and hired Debbie Leonard to be the head coach of the women's basketball program.
Duke in the WNBA
Many Duke Women's Basketball players have continued their basketball careers professionally through the WNBA and overseas. As of 2015, 8 former blue devils will be representing current WNBA teams. Among those Duke alums include, Mistie Bass (Duke ‘06, Phoenix Mercury), Alana Beard (Duke ‘04, LA Sparks), Karima Christmas (Duke ‘11, Indiana Fever), Monique Currie (Duke ‘06, Washington Mystics), Chelsea Gray, (Duke '14, LA Sparks) Lindsey Harding (Duke ‘06, LA Sparks), Tricia Liston (Duke ‘14, Minnesota Lynx), Jasmine Thomas (Duke ‘11, Atlanta Dream), Krystal Thomas (Duke ‘11, Indiana Fever). The Minnesota Lynx were crowned WNBA champs in 2015 with Liston on the roster. In 2016, the LA Sparks won the WNBA championship with Alana Beard and Chelsea Gray on the roster.
Year by year
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