Durham Reacts to New Professional Softball Team — the Carolina Blaze
On January 13, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) announced Durham as the home for the Carolina Blaze. The AUSL is the fastest-growing professional sports league in the country, and we are proud to continue that momentum in the 2026 season and beyond. Durham joins Oklahoma City, Chicago, Portland (OR), Round Rock (TX) and Salt Lake City as the six home cities.
““Our goals are clear. Fostering community pride through a collective effort, providing fans with access and opportunity to a unique and top tier professional softball experience, supporting our leadership and our athletes as the Carolina Blaze pursue an AUSL Championship.”
As the weather warms and the days get longer, spring athletics season in the Bull City is upon us. From regular season showdowns to championship events, there are endless sports events to attend in Durham this spring.
Read below to learn more about all of the teams competing and all of the events you won’t want to miss.
Durham Sports Events Calendar
It's an action-packed spring in the Bull City. Visit our sports events calendar to get in on the action.
North Carolina Central University Spring Athletics
Softball
NCCU Softball enters the 2026 season ready to make some noise in the MEAC. The Eagles finished the 2025 season with a MEAC record of 10-10 and reached the semifinals of the MEAC Softball Tournament. The Eagles season will begin on February 6, and make sure to check out their home games at Thomas Brooks Park in nearby Cary.
NCCU men’s tennis enters the 2026 season looking to build off a strong fall that saw them finish 1st at the HBCU National Tennis Championships. Last spring, NCCU Men’s tennis team had a historic season, finishing with a record of 17-7 and runner-up in the MEAC Championships
You can catch their home matches at Cary Tennis Park, as well as the Dr. James W. Younge Tennis Courts on NCCU’s campus.
NCCU women’s tennis also had a strong fall season, which included a first place finish at the HBCU National Tennis Championships. Last spring, the Eagles finished as the runner-up in the MEAC Championships.
They will look to continue their success this spring, and you can catch their home matches at Cary Tennis Park and the Dr. James W. Younge Tennis Courts on NCCU’s campus.
The schedule for track and field has yet to be released. Good luck to the Eagles as they close out their indoor season early this spring.
Men’s and Women’s Golf
The NCCU men’s golf program is coming off a strong fall season, that saw them finish third at the SAS Championship HBCU Invitational and the Thomas W. Dortch Jr. HBCU Golf Classic. The NCCU women’s golf team had similar success this fall, with second place finishes at the aforementioned tournaments on the women’s side.
The NCCU men’s and women’s golf programs do not compete in Durham this spring. But make sure to check their schedules for when they compete in the area.
Duke baseball enters the 2026 season with a new leader at the helm, as Head Coach Corey Muscara takes over the program. The Blue Devils are coming off one of the best seasons in program history, as they won an NCAA Regional and hosted a Super Regional at Jack Coombs Field.
There are a lot of new faces on the Blue Devils Roster this year, including transfer Michael Demartini, who is expected to help lead the Blue Devils offense, along with returning outfield Tyler Albright. In total, the Blue Devils will host 34 home games at Jack Coombs Field this spring.
Duke men’s golf is coming off of a strong fall season, which included a 1st place team finish at the Rod Myers Invitational hosted at Duke University Golf Club. Duke women’s golf is also coming off a great fall season, which included a T-1st at Windy City Collegiate Classic and 2nd place finish at the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational.
While Duke has no home matches this spring, track their season and see when they compete nearby.
Duke men’s lacrosse opens their season at home on January 30, as they look to build on a 12-6 season where they advanced to the first round of the NCAA Tournament. In the program’s history, Duke has won the NCAA Tournament three times and has reached the final four 14 times, most recently reaching the Championship in 2023.
Duke women’s lacrosse is coming off of a 14-6 2025 season that saw them advance to the third round of the NCAA tournament. The Blue Devils have reached the NCAA final four a total of seven times in program history and have made it to the NCAA Tournament four out of the last five years.
This spring, the Blue Devils will play eight games at Koskinen Stadium, beginning with a matchup vs Johns Hopkins on February 15.
Duke rowing finished the 2025 season with a 5th place finish at the ACC Championships. Duke rowing competes at Lake Wheeler in Raleigh.
Softball
Duke softball is coming off another outstanding 2025 season, where they finished with a 41-18 and hosted an NCAA Regional at Smith Family Stadium (formerly Duke Softball Stadium).
Led by Head Coach Marissa Young, the Blue Devils look to continue their consistent success on the national level. This season, you’ll have 22 opportunities to see them play in Durham, beginning on February 24 against ECU.
Duke women’s tennis had a dominant 2025 season, finishing with a 24-4 record and advancing to the NCAA Quarterfinals.
Heading into 2026, the Blue Devils are ranked number 8 in the country and are looking to contend for a National Title. They will host eleven matches in Durham this spring.
Duke men’s track and field won the outdoor ACC Championship in 2025 and competed in the NCAA Championships, finishing 35th. The Duke women’s track and field team also had multiple athletes compete in the 2025 NCAA Championships, finishing 34th nationally.
With the spring schedules not yet released, good luck as they finish up the indoor season this winter.
High School Athletics
Durham Public Schools have a total of six different schools competing across nine different varsity sports, which include baseball, boys golf, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, girls soccer, softball, boys tennis, boys track and field and girls track and field. The six schools – Hillside, Jordan, Northern, Southern, Durham School of the Arts and Riverside – compete in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), and their seasons run from late August to early November.
The DSC is proud to host multiple high school championship events this spring in Durham, including the NCHSAA Lacrosse and Track & Field State Championships at Durham County Memorial Stadium, and NCHSAA Softball State Championships at Smith Family Stadium.
Make sure to get out and support our local high school athletes in Durham this winter! Visit the DPS athletic calendar and NCISAA athletic calendar to check out when they play in Durham.
Durham Bulls
The most famous Minor League Baseball team in the country, the Durham Bulls, kicks off their 2025 home season on Tuesday, March 31 at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Bulls games are fun for the whole family, with giveaways and promotions all season long. The Bulls are not only entertaining, but are also one of the consistently top teams in all of Triple-A baseball, having won the Triple-A National Championship three times, most recently in 2022.
For the third year, the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit returns to the Durham Convention Center this spring on Monday April 13. Hosted by the Durham Sports Commission and Women Leaders in Sports, this year’s summit will provide a unique program tailored to individuals who have approximately seven years of professional experience or less. If you are a current undergraduate student, recent graduate, or have been in the industry for fewer than seven years, you are welcome to attend.
The DSC is proud to host the Conference Carolinas Flag Football Championships; the first collegiate women’s flag football championship in the country. The event will take place from April 17-19 at Durham County Memorial Stadium.
On Saturday, May 2, the inaugural Garmin Marathon Series will take place in the Bull City. With a 5k, 10k, half-marathon and marathon option, there is something for every runner. The course will wind through the streets of Durham, beginning in the American Tobacco Campus and finishing at Wallace Wade Stadium with a finish line festival.
Stay up to date with all sporting events in Durham by checking out our event calendar, following us @durhamncsports across all social platforms and subscribing to our email newsletter.
On May 2, 2026 the running community will flood the street of the Bull City for the inaugural Garmin Marathon Series in Durham. With a 5k, 10k, half-marathon and marathon option, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re running in your first 5k, trying to qualify for Boston, or a spectator who is one cup of coffee away from being the loudest fan on the course, we’ve got you covered. Read below to learn more about how you can make the most of race weekend in Durham.
Runners begin on the historic American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham before enjoying the landmark buildings and homes of scenic Watts Street. They will also go through Main Street, pass by the wall of Duke University East Campus, pass through Durham Bulls Athletic Park and run on sections of the American Tobacco Trail before ending at Wallace Wade Stadium at Duke University. The routes provide a compelling mix of urban heritage, rolling hills and trails, highlighting Durham’s unique culture and history.
When you arrive to Durham, there are plenty of dining options and activities that will help you get ready for race day.
Looking to carb load to fuel your run? Check out one of Durham’s mouthwatering Italian restaurants like Cucciola Osteria or Gocciolina. Go to Dashi for a bowl of delicious ramen or Thaiangle for some pad Thai.
We know marathons are a family and friend affair! And while everyone may not be running, we know you may be looking for a low-key way to entertain a group. Look no further than State of Golf, an indoor golf and multi-sport simulator bar. State of Golf does not serve food but encourages you to bring in food as you enjoy the simulator experience. Or you may want to head over to TopGolf, located near the airport and another activity perfect for the whole family.
If you’re looking to stretch out your legs the day before the race, take a stroll around Sarah P. Duke Gardens, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the country.
You also won’t want to miss out on seeing the most famous minor league baseball team in the country, the Durham Bulls, while you’re in town. The Bulls take on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at Durham Bulls Athletic Park from April 28 to May 3, with fireworks following the Friday and Saturday games.
There’s nothing quite like the energy of race day. The runners are locked in. But let’s face it, it’s an early morning for the spectators too. And at mile 1, 5 or 25, you’re going to need that energy from your friends and family to help get you to the finish line.
With the courses running through the heart of Durham, there are plenty of spots for friends and family to grab a quick coffee and breakfast as they get from place to place to see their runners along the course. Press and Fare & Fellow are a quick walk from the starting line, and a perfect place to grab some caffeine as the runners start. Right nearby the course, you also have Cocoa Cinnamon, Vessel, Oak House and Parker & Otis for all of your coffee needs. On Mangum Street, stop into Hatch Burritos for one of the best breakfast burritos in Durham.
We know how important it is to get to the finish line early to get a prime spot to cheer on your runner down the stretch. On your way there, swing by Isaac’s Bagels or Cloche Coffee to make sure you are fueled up to cheer on the runners as they cross that line. With the Finish Line Festival at Wallace Wade Stadium on Duke University’s campus, you are also just steps away from the historic Cameron Indoor Stadium and the Duke Basketball Museum and Sports Hall of Fame.
After the Race
After the race is over and you have enjoyed everything that the Finish Line Festival has to offer, it’s time to eat. There are lots of great options a short drive away from the finish line near Duke’s campus. Craving Mexican? Head over to Azteca Grill or Cosmic Cantina. Check out Dain’s Place for more classic sports bar food, or Heavenly Buffaloes for some of the best wings in Durham. Also right nearby, Grub and Nosh are great options for a sandwich, and Guglhupf has a brunch and fresh-made pastries that you do not want to miss out on. For a bigger group, check out Lakewood Social, which has an extensive menu and ample outdoor seating.
After you’ve had your recovery meal, regrouped, and maybe even had a quick nap, it’s time to head back into Durham. Put that medal back around your neck and continue to treat yourself at one of Durham’s many breweries. You can’t go wrong with the refreshing beer and great atmospheres at Glass Jug Beer Lab, Fullsteam Brewery, or the Durham Beer Garden. Or stop by Ponysaurus Brewing or Crank Arm Brewing, who support local run clubs in Durham. Need space for a larger group? Check out Bull McCabe’s in the heart of downtown or Hi-Wire Brewing. Your legs may be tired, but if you are up for an activity, Boxcar Bar + Arcade and Clouds Brewcade offer an extensive list of beverages and arcade games alike. You can also visit the Green Room, a laid-back pool hall made famous for being featured in the movie, Bull Durham.
When you turn the page to dinner, we encourage you to treat yourself at one of Durham’s multiple award-winning restaurants. Because let’s face it, you’ve earned it.
While all eyes are on day of the race, we know that the hard work and training starts long before. From the workout itself to the refuel and recovery, Durham has extensive businesses and opportunities to help you in your training journey. In total, Durham Parks & Recreation maintains over 30 miles of multi-use trails and greenways that are perfect to explore as you begin your training.
There’s no better way to start your training than by joining one of Durham’s run clubs. These clubs have different levels and are perfect for the beginner and the experienced runners. And what better way to reward yourself than with a refreshment at one of the affiliated breweries.
If you’re looking to complement your running with additional training, look into one of the following gyms and fitness companies, offering classes and private instruction:
When training for a race, the most important thing is staying healthy to get to race day! We encourage runners, both during training, leading up to and after their race, to take advantage of the wellness businesses in Durham. Take a visit to Sauna House, a modern bathhouse offering saunas, cold plunges and massages that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for training. Sauna House offers access to the public bathhouse, as well as private experiences for a group up to 6. If you’re looking for more options for massage therapy, you can also visit The Retreat or Auroraflow.
AUSL Brings The Carolina Blaze to Durham as North Carolina’s Newest Women’s Professional Team
January 13, 2026, Durham, North Carolina – The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) today announced Durham as the home of the Carolina Blaze , North Carolina’s newest women’s professional sports property. The Blaze will host their games at Smith Family Stadium at Duke University in Durham.
The Carolinas have produced generations of elite softball talent, and Durham sits at the heart of that tradition. With a strong youth pipeline and a deep appreciation for high-level competition, the region offers an ideal home for the Blaze.
Smith Family Stadium provides a premier venue where the Blaze can connect with fans who value the growth and development of women’s sports. With former Duke standouts Ana Gold and Jala Wright on the roster, the Blaze reflect the pride and passion of Carolina softball.
Carolina Blaze Season Tickets
Secure your season tickets for the inaugural Carolina Blaze season in Durham.
The team will be led by General Manager Dana Sorensen , who has a history of success in softball as both a leader at Sorensen Elite and a player at Stanford University, alongside Head Coach Kara Dill , the current coach at UT-Arlington and a familiar face in Blaze history, having served as associate head coach in the inaugural season. In addition to Gold and Wright, the Blaze’s roster also features a veteran outfielder Baylee Klingler , catcher Kayla Kowalik and pitcher Keilani Ricketts amid a lineup of world-class athletes.
This announcement follows a breakout inaugural season for the AUSL fueled by sellout crowds across the country, record viewership and social engagement and a strategic investment by Major League Baseball, as well as an offseason featuring expansion to six teams and a multi-year renewal of its media rights agreement with ESPN.
The Blaze will join the Chicago Bandits, Oklahoma City Spark, Portland Cascade, Texas Volts and Utah Talons in the six-team league, which begins play on June 9. The full Blaze 2026 schedule and roster can be found below. Fans can become Founding Season Ticket Members beginning today at 12:00 p.m. ET. Group tickets for all games are also available. Single game tickets will be available at a later date.
The AUSL’s inaugural season in 2025 featured a touring model that brought games to 12 locations across the country. Today’s announcement marks a major milestone as AUSL transitions to a city-based professional softball league. After evaluating numerous potential markets against a comprehensive set of criteria, each AUSL host city was ultimately selected for its authentic connection to softball, demonstrated support for women’s sports, access to professional-caliber facilities and ability to serve as a long-term home for professional teams. Together, these markets reflect the nationwide resonance of softball and AUSL’s commitment to building a league rooted in community, culture, and competitive excellence.
“The Carolinas have produced generations of elite softball talent, and Durham represents the heart of that tradition,” said Kim Ng , Commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. “Playing at Smith Family Stadium allows us to connect the Blaze to a region that values competition, development, and the continued growth of women’s sports.”
“We’re beyond excited to bring the AUSL to Durham and launch the Carolina Blaze, a name that represents both the fiery energy of our fans and the trailblazing spirit that defines this community and the Carolinas,” said Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning . “This marks another opportunity to inspire young athletes, elevate the game, and strengthen community pride. We sincerely thank Duke University for partnering with us and providing access to their world-class softball facilities in a true reflection of our ‘One Team, One Durham’ approach.”
“We’re excited to open up our facilities to this incredible league,” said Bob Weiseman , Deputy Director of Athletics at Duke University. “We hope this inspires the next generation of athletes and gives fans across the Carolinas the opportunity to experience top-tier professional softball right here in Durham.”
Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, Athletes Unlimited owns and operates professional women’s softball, volleyball, and basketball leagues featuring world-class competition and fan experience, and stands out as an organization driven by the athletes that play in the leagues, with athlete representation on the company’s board of directors, each league led by a Player Executive Committee, and players sharing in long-term profits of the company, all while being proactive in shaping policies supporting the women that play in the league. Athletes Unlimited is the first professional sports league to be organized as a Public Benefit Corporation. For more information, visit AUProSports.com.
As the weather turns colder and the days get shorter, Durham turns the page to what is sure to be an exciting winter of sports in the Bull City.
Read below to see all of the action-packed competition you won’t want to miss out on in Durham this winter.
NCCU Athletics
NCCU Men’s Basketball
NCCU Men’s basketball is coming off of an 14-19 season that saw them advance to the MEAC semifinals. The Eagles are coached by the legendary LeVelle Moton. In October, Moton was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society, which is considered to be North Carolina’s highest civilian honor since it was created in 1963. In 2023, Moton became the winningest coach in program history. This season, the Eagles enter projected to finish third in the MEAC preseason poll.
The Eagles program has a strong history that includes winning the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1989. Since becoming a Division I program in 2011, NCCU has made four NCAA Tournament appearances, most recently making it three consecutive years from 2017-2019.
The Eagles first of 13 home games at McDougald-McClendon Arena this season is on Wednesday, November 12 against Bluefield State.
NCCU women’s basketball is coming off a 9-21 season, where they played a demanding non-conference schedule consisting of top-ranked ACC and SEC teams. Head Coach Terrence Baxter enters his third season as the Eagles coach looking to build on the previous two seasons at the helm. NCCU’s own Morgan Callahan was named the 2025-26 MEAC Women’s Basketball Preseason Player of the Year.
The Eagles are projected to finish fourth in the MEAC preseason poll. Their first of14 home games at McDougald-McClendon Arena this season is on Friday, November 7 against UNC Wilmington.
The NCCU men’s and women’s Indoor Track & Field team is coming off a 2024-2025 season that saw them finish with five medals at the MEAC Championships, including two golds, three silvers and one bronze. This was the first time in school history that the Women’s Team finished 3rd in the MEAC Championships.
Check back for more information on their 2025-2026 schedule.
After advancing to the Final Four last year, the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team enters the 2025-2026 season looking to make another deep NCAA Tournament run. The Blue Devils are led by Jon Scheyer, who is entering his fourth season as head coach. This year, the roster includes NBA prospects such as Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer. Duke was ranked first in the preseason ACC poll and sixth in the preseason AP Poll.
The Blue Devils will open their season against Western Carolina on Saturday, November 8. While tickets for Duke men’s basketball games can be hard to get, make sure to keep your eye s games around the holidays for the best chance to see the team in action.
Duke women’s basketball advanced to the Elite 8 in 2024-2025 for the first time since the 2017-2018 season. Head Coach Kara Lawson enters the 2025-2026 season looking to continue what has been a steady improvement in her first three full years. Lawson also was named head coach of the USA National Women’s Basketball team.
The Blue Devils enter the season ranked third in the pre-season ACC poll and eleventh in the preseason AP Poll. Make your way to Cameron Indoor Stadium to see what should be one of the top women’s basketball teams in the country this year right here in the Bull City.
Duke will begin their season at home against Holy Cross on Sunday, November 9.
The Duke men’s and women’s fencing teams are led by Omar Elgeziry, who is entering his third season as the head coach. Last year, the men’s team finished 3rd and the women’s team finished 2nd in the ACC Championships. The team advanced to play in the NCAA Championship where they finished 12th overall, including one top-10 finisher on the women’s side. The Blue Devils’ home match during the 2025-2026 season is the Beguinet Classic, which will be hosted at Card Gym on Duke’s Campus.
Looking ahead, the NCAA announced that Duke University, in conjunction with the Durham Sports Commission, was selected to host the 2027 NCAA Fencing National Championships.
The Duke men’s and women’s indoor track and field team is coming off a 2024-2025 season that saw them win six medals at the ACC Indoor Championships and 15 athletes receive All-ACC honors. The Duke’s women’s 4x400m relay team brought a record-breaking time of 3:31.88 at the ACC Indoor Championships as well.
Duke wrestling, led by Head Coach Glen Lanham, will look to have a bounce back 2025-2026 season. The Blue Devils will host a total of six matches in Durham, with the majority being held at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Durham Public Schools have a total of six different schools competing across five different sports, which include basketball, cheer, indoor track and field, swimming and wrestling. The six schools – Hillside, Jordan, Northern, Southern, Durham School of the Arts and Riverside – compete in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), and their seasons run from late August to early November.
In addition, Durham Academy and Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill compete in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA).
Make sure to get out and support our local high school athletes in Durham this winter! Visit the DPS athletic calendar and NCISAA athletic calendar to check out when they play in Durham.
DSC Events
In addition to all of the school athletics this winter, the DSC is excited to host the follwoing marquee events in the Bull City this winter.
CIAA Football Championship
The CIAA Football Championship is coming back to Durham for the first time since 2016! The event will be held at Durham County Memorial Stadium on November 15th at 3 pm with the two top teams in the CIAA.
For the first time, Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium (Duke University) will be hosting the NCAA D1 Field Hockey National Championship. The two semifinals games will be played on Friday, November 21, with the winners advancing to the National Championship on Sunday, November 23.
From 2022-2025, The North Carolina High School Athletics Association has brought many of their championships to Durham over the years. From 2022-2025, the NCHSAA Lacrosse and Softball Championships were held in Durham, bringing in teams from across the state. This year the NCHSAA will add theirFootball State Championships to Durham on December 11th-13th at Durham County Memorial Stadium.
Girls High School Flag Football State Championships
The North Carolina High School Women’s Flag Football State Championship will take place on November 22nd at Durham County Memorial Stadium. The DSC is proud to be at the forefront of this emerging sport.
Stay up to date with all sporting events in Durham by checking out our event calendar, following us @durhamncsports across all social platforms and subscribing to our email newsletter.
Experience the NCAA D1 Field Hockey National Championship in Durham
Experience the NCAA D1 Field Hockey National Championship in Durham
For the first time in history, the NCAA Division 1 Field Hockey National Championship is coming to Durham. A season that began under the hot August sun will culminate this November at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium on Duke University’s East Campus. On November 21, the four remaining NCAA Division I field hockey programs will compete in Durham for a chance to play in the National Championship on Sunday, November 23.
Whether you’re new to Durham or a local fan, we have you covered for places to eat and enjoy before, after and between games.
Tickets are **SOLD OUT**
Duke’s East Campus and Surrounding Area
Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium is in the heart of Duke’s East Campus, which is bordered by Broad Street. Broad Street is full of dining options and places to visit. Stop by Cloche Coffee or Mad Hatter Cafe + Bakeshop for coffee and something sweet to start your day. If you’re looking for somewhere to grab lunch, look no further than Nosh for a delicious sandwich or Heavenly Buffaloes for crips wings and waffle fries. And you’ll want to stop by the Green Room, a pool hall and Durham staple that was featured in the classic film, Bull Durham.
A short walk away you will find Ninth Street, which is full of additional great dining options. Celebrate a big win with a sweet treat from Pincho Loco or LocoPops. Enjoy a classic sports bar experience at Dain’s Place or satisfy a late-night craving at Cosmic Cantina.
With games on Friday 11/21 and Sunday 11/23, you’ll want to make the most of your Saturday in Durham. Head to the famous Durham Bulls Athletic Park for the FestiBull of Lights, an immersive holiday lights experience open from 5:30-9. Head to CCB Plaza before enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants downtown. For families, spend your afternoon at the Museum of Life and Science in North Durham. And make sure to stop by Durham County Memorial Stadium to check out the North Carolina High School Girls Flag Football State Championship.
What It Means to Host NCAA Division I Field Hockey National Championship
By Paige Bitting
My name is Paige Bitting, and I’m a senior on the Duke Field Hockey team.
I was about 5 years old the first time I picked up a field hockey stick. In the small town in Pennsylvania where I grew up, that was not unusual. Field hockey is deeply rooted within the community — almost every girl I knew played field hockey at some point growing up. When I attended my first field hockey camp at five years old, I could never have imagined how much of an impact the game would have on my life. It has served as a cornerstone of my personal development, teaching me countless lessons about what it means to be a teammate and competitor, helping me find my voice and place as a leader, and ultimately opening doors that led me to Duke University and allowed me to find a second home in Durham.
This makes it even more meaningful to be hosting the 2025 NCAA Field Hockey Championship in Durham this November. Not only is hosting this championship a milestone for Duke and Durham, but it is also a chance to highlight the sport that has shaped me and many others. It provides an opportunity to share field hockey with a new generation of young athletes in Durham and the surrounding area.
I developed my love for field hockey in what many consider the field hockey hotbed of the United States, central Pennsylvania. In my town, field hockey is a local legacy. When I arrived in North Carolina for my freshman year at Duke, I was greeted with many opportunities to share this legacy with community members and have embraced every chance to showcase the sport that has had such a massive role in shaping who I am.
Coaching local youth has been one of the most meaningful ways I’ve been able to support field hockey’s growth in Durham. It has been inspiring to witness the increase in local participation at camps and clinics and to support young girls as they begin on their own journey with the game.
I’m passionate about continuing to grow the game, so young girls all over Durham and beyond can develop the same love for the sport that I did many years ago. It is important to me to give back to the sport that has provided me with so much. Over my 4 years of calling Durham home, I am proud to have witnessed and contributed to growth in the sport, but there is still opportunity for so much more.
To continue growing the game in Durham, it is essential to expose girls to the sport at a young age. Attending Duke Field Hockey games this fall is the perfect opportunity for local youth to see the high-speed play, technical skill, and teamwork that makes field hockey special. I encourage local youth to come out and support at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium this fall, where they can experience firsthand the energy and excitement of field hockey. I hope enthusiasm for field hockey in Durham grows throughout the season, building momentum for the 2025 NCAA Field Hockey Championship this November.
Hosting the 2025 NCAA Field Hockey Championship in Durham represents something truly special. This championship can be more than just a game; it can serve as a platform to inspire the next generation of field hockey players in Durham. It is a chance for local youth to witness firsthand strong, passionate women competing at the highest level in a sport they share love and gratitude for. It is an opportunity to show just how far field hockey can take someone and the kind of impact it can have on young girls’ development.
Field hockey shaped my journey, and I believe it has the power to do the same for others. This championship marks the start of a new chapter for the sport in Durham and the surrounding area. I hope that young girls who attend the championship feel inspired to pick up a stick and find confidence, community and opportunity through the sport of field hockey like I did.
Durham Sports Commission Welcomes New Board Members and Leadership Appointments
Durham, N.C. (August 4, 2025) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce the addition of Ray Trapp and Emily Jo Roberts to its Board of Directors, as well as introduce new leadership roles for several existing board members. With their diverse experience and shared passion, Trapp and Roberts are well-positioned to help drive the DSC’s mission and continued growth.
Trapp is excited to return to the DSC Board of Directors, having previously served in 2023. Trapp is currently the Director of Communications and Development for Families & Communities Rising, where he leads the organization’s fundraising, marketing and public relations efforts. Prior to this role, he was a District Manager with Duke Energy Corporation and the Executive Director of NPower. Notably, Trapp has experience as the Vice President of Strategic Engagement at Research Triangle Park. In addition to his service with the DSC, Trapp is a board member with the North Carolina Community College System, The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, the Duke-NCCU Clinical and Translational Science Advisory Committee and the Inter-Church Council Housing Corporation.
As the current Director of Women’s Coaching and Executives at Wasserman’s The Collective, Emily Jo Roberts works daily to advance and celebrate the power of female coaches and other industry leaders in sports, which aligns with the Commission’s mission of creating social impact. Formerly, Roberts served as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Appalachian State University. Her experience in the industry will enable her to make meaningful contributions to the DSC’s efforts to drive positive change through athletics and sports tourism.
“We’re excited to welcome Ray, who’s returning, and Emily Jo, a new member to our Board of Directors,” said DSC Executive Director Marcus Manning. “Their backgrounds and commitment to community impact make them tremendous assets to our organization. Their leadership will help guide us as Durham strives to be one of the best sports destination hubs in the country.”
Alongside these new appointments, the DSC congratulates several board members who are taking on new roles. Angelique Stallings will serve as Board Chair as Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree steps into the Immediate Past Chair role. Additionally, Ryan Craig was appointed Vice Chair, and Jonathon Leach will serve as secretary/treasurer.
“It is a tremendous privilege to serve as Chair of the Durham Sports Commission,” said Angelique Stallings. “As we move into Season 10 of this incredible organization, I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors, including Dan Hill and Dr. Wicker McCree. Together, we will continue advancing the mission of the Commission, deepening our impact on sports and community engagement in Durham and beyond.”
Visit our Board of Directors page to view the entire Durham Sports Commission Board of Directors.
North Carolina High School Athletic Association State Championships
The Durham Sports Commission is proud to host the North Carolina High School Athletic Association softball and lacrosse state championships on May 30-31.
On May 30-31, the 1A/2A/3A and 4A men’s and women’s Lacrosse State Championships will be held at Durham County Memorial Stadium. Learn more about how to make the most of your experience by checking out the Discover Durham Guide to North Durham.
