As the spring season kicks off, the Blue Zone takes a look at what some of the newest Blue Devils bring to the field:
Baseball: Jack Feehery
Jack Feehery, a highly touted left-handed pitcher, is a standout recruit for the Blue Devil baseball team. Feehery enters Jack Coombs Field ranked the No. 1 overall prospect from Washington, D.C., and he is projected to make an immediate impact on and off the mound. Feehery earned Perfect Game All-American in both his junior and senior years at Gonzaga College High School. His dominance also earned him a spot on the WCAC first team in both seasons, with an impressive All-Met selection in his senior campaign. Over 83 innings, the Washington native racked up 105 strikeouts and proved himself worthy of solidifying his place as a key asset for the Blue Devils this season.
Softball: Brooklinn Thomas
Brooklinn Thomas made an immediate impact in her Duke debut as the Blue Devils opened their season with shutout victories against Penn State and Mississippi State Feb. 8. The Durham native, a Panther Creek alum, proved her value as a utility player, contributing three hits, two RBIs and two runs scored across the games. Thomas’ performance not only helped solidify her role in the Blue Devil lineup, but also proved her a key contributor for Duke in its opening NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla. The 5-foot-9 defensive playmaker, previously named a two-time SCHSL State Champion, was one of three Blue Devils and 53 athletes named to the 2025 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Watch List.
Men’s lacrosse: Nikolas Menendez
Nikolas Menendez enters the 2024-25 lacrosse season as one of the most highly anticipated freshmen players. The 6-foot-1 defender made waves after a sudden commitment flip from Harvard to Duke, bringing with him both a keen lacrosse IQ and unmatched defensive skills. He earned the title of USA Lacrosse High School Boy’s National Player of the Year after racking up 33 caused turnovers and 48 ground balls as a senior at Culver Academy. As a member of a freshman class where eight of 10 players rank among Inside Lacrosse’s Class of 2024 Power 100, Menendez should make an immediate impact and help elevate the Blue Devil team to new heights.
Women’s lacrosse: Sadie Stafford
Sadie Stafford, a standout midfielder from Darien, Conn., is also prepared to make an impact for the Blue Devils. Ranked 26th overall in the Inside Lacrosse Women’s Power 100, Stafford is a standout recruit for the class of 2024. Coming in at 5-foot-8, her versatility in the midfield will be a valuable addition to Duke’s already-loaded roster. Stafford's lacrosse career includes being selected to represent USA Lacrosse at the Fall Classic in 2023. With her talent and experience on the international stage, Stafford is poised to make a difference on the field for Duke this season.
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