Lady Blue Devils Set to Open 2019-20 with First Official Practice Wednesday

DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke women’s basketball team has been working hard over the last few months on and off the court in preparation for the 2019-20 season. With the change of NCAA rules over the last few years, the Blue Devils are allowed to hold team practices throughout the summer and fall.

Duke head coach Joanne P. McCallie takes advantage of these practice opportunities, but doesn’t officially feel like she tips off practice until she goes all-in on defense, which will happen Wednesday, Oct. 9.

The Blue Devils (15-15 in 2018-19) are looking to bounce back in 2019-20 as McCallie enters her 13th year with the program and returns all five starters, including recent graduate Haley Gorecki. 

Gorecki, a product of Palatine, Ill., will return for her final season with the Blue Devils after turning in one of the best individual campaigns in ACC history averaging 17.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.6 steals.  The highest returning scoring in the ACC, Gorecki became the third Blue Devil to register 500 points, 200 rebounds, 100 assists and 75 steals in a season a year ago. 

Along with Gorecki, Duke returns senior Leaonna Odom, sophomore Onome Akinbode-James, sophomore Miela Goodchild and junior Jade Williams.  The five returning starters combined to start 126 a seasons go.  Overall, the Blue Devils return nine letterwinners and 94.60 percent of their scoring from last year, which is the second-most in school history. 

Duke is excited to welcome back former two-year starting point guard, Kyra Lambert, to the mix, after missing the last two seasons with knee injuries.  The Blue Devils are also expected to return redshirt sophomore Mikayla Boykin, who also has been dealing with knee injuries over the last two years. 

McCallie has also added four standout recruits to the mix – Jaida Patrick (5-10 guard), Jada Claude (6-0 guard/forward), Azana Baines (6-1 guard) and Jennifer Ezeh (6-3 forward).