In less than a year, Katherine “Kat” McDonald went from being an All-American at Wakefield High School to being in the NCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship. After beating Florida State University in the semi-finals, Duke Women’s Soccer advanced to the finals. Unfortunately, they fell short one goal in the final versus Pennsylvania State University.

“I feel so excited and grateful to have been part of this team this year,” said McDonald. “I also feel extremely positive about the next three seasons ahead.”

Coming from high school soccer onto a top-level Division I program might seem like a big step up, but McDonald blended into the high level competition smoothly.

“She gave 110% all the time,” said junior, Anna Clark, former teammate from Wakefield Varsity. “She never complained about a little extra hard work.”

“High school and college soccer are both very enjoyable,“ said McDonald. “The main difference is that every person is extremely passionate and we have common goals of getting better and winning a national championship.”

This season Duke had big wins against schools like University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Stanford and Appalachian State University, which Kat recorded two assists against. For many Duke was an easy favorite in the NCAA Tournament.

“The highlight of the season for me was beating UNC Chapel Hill during ACC conference play,” said McDonald. “It was the first time we’ve beat them in a while and we played so well.”

McDonald was a Four-year starter and a Captain of the Women’s Varsity Soccer team while Wakefield. McDonald was a leader on and off of the pitch to the younger players on the team. Junior, Christina McCartney played two years with the skipper and had nothing but great things to say about her.

“Kat was one of the most passionate athletes I have ever gotten the privilege to play with,” said McCartney. “She pushed me to be the best soccer player that I was capable of being.”

With three years left as a Blue Devil, there are high expectations that she is looking to live up to.

“I expect for Kat to make a big impact on the Duke Women’s soccer program and win the NCAA National Championship her upcoming college seasons,” said former Wakefield teammate, Emma Lanter.

Anna Clark also has the same high expectations.

“We expect some really big things, and for her to win some really big rings,” said Clark.