Durham, North Carolina
Some college teams have a long history of playing softball, yet none have the decorum of Duke. But it’s not just about the flashy amenities like video boards or comfy seating—that’s just how the Blue Devils celebrate their achievements. The real story lies in their accomplishments: seven national titles, two Atlantic Coast Conference Championships, five NCAA tournament appearances, and even a trip to the College World Series in Oklahoma City.
What’s remarkable? Duke’s softball program has only been around for eight years. When you stack that against other universities in the ACC, the results are, well, eye-opening. For instance, Georgia Tech has been active in softball since 1987 and has yet to reach the College World Series. Then there’s NC State, which started their program in 2004—both schools have the same number of postseason appearances as Duke. Other teams like Boston College, Syracuse, and North Carolina have likewise struggled to make it as far as Duke has in just three seasons.
Essentially, the Blue Devils have positioned themselves as a premier softball program in the ACC, contributing to the growth of a sport that’s often overshadowed. Last season, about 2.5 million people tuned into the College World Series Finals, marking a significant 24% increase from the prior year—it’s the most-watched finals yet.
This weekend, Duke steps back onto that grand stage, kicking off the journey with a resounding 12-0 victory over Howard, the champions of the Middle Eastern Athletic Conference.
“Our players are amazing at improving and playing their best softball toward the end of the season,” remarked Duke coach Marissa Young, who has shaped the program since its inception. “This was a substantial victory for us to demonstrate our control over the game.”
Junior pitcher Cassidy Card delivered a stellar performance, yielding only two hits and striking out six batters over five innings. Meanwhile, senior shortstop Anagold made quite the impact with two fence hits and five RBIs.
“What I keep telling myself as we came into this game is to stay true to myself and trust the hard work I’ve put in,” Curd said, referring to their preparation.
This mix of strategic pitching, robust defense, and opportunistic offense is what Duke has cultivated—capitalizing on opponents’ errors and now ranking among the best in the NCAA Tournament. They’ve made the top 25 in categories like batting average (.332), fielding percentage (.974), shutouts (14), and the strikeouts-to-walks ratio (2.60).
Duke earned the 14th seed in the NCAA tournament, matching up against Coastal Carolina, champions of the Sunbelt, and the powerhouse SEC team Georgia in local matchups. This marks the fourth year Duke has hosted games during the opening weekend of softball postseason play. They’ll see Georgia again in the second regional matchup on Saturday.
On the other side, Howard’s coach Trityson opted for unconventional methods, relying on multiple pitchers throughout the game, but they fell short, not accumulating enough runs to threaten Duke.
“In our region, a careless throw doesn’t just lead to a bloop hit; it could land you in big trouble,” noted Tyson. “We knew this, and it’s all about maintaining a small margin for error. They took advantage of their opportunities.”
Tyson, a former Nebraska pitcher, expressed pride in competing alongside a strong female coach like Young, recognizing the significance of their representation in sports.
“It’s a wonderful moment to be alongside women of color on this field, especially for me,” she mentioned. “It’s about seeing how she’s overcome challenges as a black woman and a mother. I’m stepping into the home she built.”
Young took the reins to establish the Blue Devils’ program back in 2016 after previous coaching roles at Eastern Michigan and North Carolina. The motivation to develop a women’s sports program stemmed from efforts to comply with Title IX regulations, prompting the addition of softball in 2013.
Having led her team to a solid 13-11 record during her inaugural season in 2018, they faced challenges. The pandemic interrupted a promising start in 2020, but the following year saw them make their NCAA tournament debut.
“We pride ourselves on our defense, and even though everyone wants that big swing, they value supporting each other on the field,” said Young of her team’s dynamics.
Gold, now a standout at Duke, has become a linchpin for the program’s success, breaking the career home run record with 53 to her name, still aiming for more by season’s end.
“This just emphasizes the culture Coach Young has built. The players are buying in, and that’s huge,” Gold stated.
Card, joining the team shortly after Gold, has contributed significantly to Duke’s rising reputation. With a solid record, including a no-hitter against Howard, she’s emerged as a key player in the squad’s journey.
Last season, Card notably led the ACC in ERA, helping the team secure a berth in the World Series; she remains a formidable presence this year.
“We have that experience, and it’s not our first time facing pressure,” Curd said. “We just aim to enjoy the game regardless of who’s across the field from us.”
Young’s journey hasn’t all been smooth sailing. In May 2023, her husband suffered a severe heart attack, undergoing numerous surgeries, yet he’s still in recovery. Balancing her role as a coach with family responsibilities adds layers to her accomplishments with the Blue Devils.
“Core values are essential—the foundation guiding us through success or struggles. Our coaching staff works hard, but in the end, it’s the players who execute,” Young emphasized.
Despite the sweltering conditions in Durham, Young remained composed, clad in a long-sleeve jacket, focusing on guiding her team to victory during their postseason opener.
“You look good,” she smiled, echoing a phrase made popular by Deion Sanders. “This is a good omen, and we’ll stick with it.”
As the team aims for Oklahoma City in June, their aspirations seem more achievable. After just eight years in the program’s history, Duke Softball is determined to extend its postseason journey.
