Steele returns to Duke as a volunteer

DURHAM Duke field hockey and head coach Pam Bustin are excited welcome Sammi Steele back to the program and will serve as a volunteer assistant in the 2021 campaign.

“This is an exciting day for the Duke field disc because we have an incredible opportunity to welcome the eternal Blue Devil back to campus for Sammi Steele,” Bustin said. “Since graduating, Sammi has remained closed to the program, helping with video and coding throughout last season. When the volunteer assistant position became available, it was clear to me that Sammi was the best choice. Her incredible gaming experience and the detail and ability to practice with our three motivated goalkeepers keeps everyone sharp and ready to play.

Steele, who graduated in 2020, was a Blue Devils veteran goalkeeper from 2016–2019. He started his career in all 84 races and ended with a record of 62-22 and 25 breaks. Steele is third in Duke history in career goals on average (1.32), fifth in combat (269) and 15th (.706).

“I’m very excited to join the team as a coach this time!” said Steele. “Knowing team culture is a clear advantage for me so I can jump straight into the role. I can’t wait to get back and help the program in a new way, and I’m so excited to see what’s in store this season!”

He was a three-time NFHCA All-Region First Team selection and earned All-ACC honors three times, including the first team in 2019. Steele was named NFHCA Defender of the Week three times and was a four-time ACC Defender Player of the Week award. Model student-athlete Steele was a five-time ACC Honor Roll member when she was appointed to the All-ACC Academic Team and the NFHCA National Academic Squad four times.

Steele graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2019 before earning a Master of Science in Administration in 2020. Since graduating, Steele has worked in the Durham Rewriting the Code program.
Duke will open his campaign in 2021 against Rutgers on Friday, August 27th. The game is scheduled to take place at 6pm at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium.

# Good week