Kerry Nease Continues Her Career Abroad
Duke women’s lacrosse 2025 alum Kerry Nease is fulfilling two lifelong dreams: traveling to Australia and playing professional lacrosse.
“All of my peers around me were going straight into a career, but I wanted to do something totally different,” Nease said. “I’ve always wanted to go to Australia, and I think it’s such a great opportunity. I wanted to take advantage of it while I still can.”
Nease, the Blue Devils' top draw-taker for the past two seasons, has joined Footscray Lacrosse Club—a professional women’s team based in Melbourne, Australia.
Footscray sits at the heart of Australian lacrosse, known for its competitive success, elite player development and strong community presence. The club’s senior teams have consistently dominated, earning five men’s State League premierships and 10 on the women’s side, including a rare double victory in 2022.
With a strong international presence, the club regularly sends players to NCAA programs and welcomes athletes and coaches from around the world.
Nease played a crucial role in the Blue Devils’ success during the 2025 season, starting all 20 games as Duke advanced to the NCAA Championship quarterfinals. She helped the team earn 14 overall wins and six conference victories—the most for Duke in both categories since 2022.
This past season, Nease was named to the All-ACC Second Team and ranked fourth in the conference with 112 draw controls, a mark that also ranks fifth in Duke’s single-season records book.
She finished her collegiate career ranked fourth all-time in program history with 226 draw controls, while adding 16 goals and 11 assists for 27 points, along with 26 ground balls and 18 caused turnovers.
With Footscray, Nease has taken on the role of one of the team’s main draw-takers, a duty she shares with her teammate and roommate.
“I was able to bring one of my draw sticks with me, and my roommate and I have been working on the draw together,” Nease said. “It’s kind of like how Ellie White and I were always working on the draw together this past season.”
Nease credits her time at Duke and the people around her for preparing her for this next chapter. She emphasized the constant support from teammates and the guidance of head coach Kerstin Kimel as a catalyst to her chasing these dreams.
I think Kerstin and my teammates created an environment where everyone was always looking out for the person next to them. Kerstin guided me from the very beginning, even during the recruiting process. She encouraged me to seek out unique opportunities and has always supported me in chasing my dreams, just like she does for all of my teammates.Kerry Nease
From competing on the NCAA women’s lacrosse’s biggest stage back in May, Nease said the level of play at Duke gave her the confidence to step into the professional scene with ease.
“I think it’s just fun to be playing,” she said. “At this stage of my career, I’m really just looking to have fun and not put so much pressure on myself.”
Now, a few weeks into her time in Australia, Nease is beginning to find that same sense of community she cherished at Duke.
“Coming into the Footscray club, they’ve been so welcoming and helpful, which has made the transition a lot easier than it probably would have been,” she said.
In Australia, Nease has settled into a new rhythm with a familiar game, enjoying the moments, the teammates and the sport she’s always loved.