The Duke field hockey program is thrilled to welcome five newcomers to the Blue Devil family this fall. The group hails from three different states – Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut – and two countries – Germany and England.
Over the coming weeks, we will profile each of the incoming Blue Devils, starting with Gracie Butler, coming to Durham from across the pond in Oxshott, United Kingdom.
Pam Bustin on Butler
“We look forward to welcoming Gracie back to campus from “across the pond”. Her enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity to join Duke True and contribute to our coveted team culture and championship mindset have endeared her to our squad. Gracie’s solid play and competitive experiences while playing at Wellington College and Surbiton H.C. prepare her for the challenges of the NCAA D1/ACC rigorous schedule and high-level play. Gracie is a great passer and has a keen sense of subtly setting up the attack as she manipulates the midfield space. Her style will bring an added dimension to the attacking phases of the game. Welcome Gracie!”
Butler will arrive on Duke’s campus after completing her time at Wellington College in England. She excelled in the midfield with both Wellington College and Surbiton Hockey Club. Just this week, the 18-year old was awarded Surbiton’s “Best Contribution to the Squad” Award at the annual end-of-season banquet. She was the winner of one of the three honors presented for her age group.
As a junior at Wellington College, Butler helped her team to the 2023 England Hockey National Schools Championships Quarterfinals and a runner-up finish at the St. George’s Sixes Tournament. Most recently on the club circuit, Butler was instrumental along with two of her other Wellington teammates in helping Surbiton to the U18 T1 Cup. Butler, excelling on the hockey field for many years, was the Surbiton Hockey Club – Junior Girls all-around prize winner in 2021, a leader on the English Hockey Supra League National Finals Championship team in 2020 and runner-up squad in 2022. The 5-foot-9 forward took part in the English Hockey National Age Group field hockey trials at Lilleshall in 2021 and earned a spot in the National Challenge Cup in 2023.
She helped Surbiton qualify and win the National Trials in Nottingham in 2023 and most recently led the club to the 2024 England Hockey Junior National Cup Championship.
A fantastic weekend for some our @SurbitonHC club players.
Gracie, Lucy and Noa…
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